The outcomes of lumbar spinal fusion surgery — a tale of 2 studies
Lauren Finestone
Lumbar spinal fusion surgery is an increasing, but controversial procedure for chronic low back pain. Two studies suggest we need to rethink its value for injured workers.Lumbar spinal fusion surgery — when one or more of the vertebrae are fixed to the adjacent vertebra — is an increasing, but controversial procedure for chronic low back pain. There isn't much high-quality evidence to support its effectiveness for most cases. And the outcomes for workers’ compensation patients are worse than for the general population. Two recent Australian studies involving groups of injured workers in t...
Published 17 November, 2022