Recovery pattern after decompression of central lumbar spinal stenosis: a prospective observational cohort study

Detailed preoperative information is associated with superior outcomes. We aimed to describe the recovery pattern after decompression of central lumbar spinal stenosis (CLSS). 50 patients aged 51–85 years who underwent decompression without fusion due to CLSS were followed from before to after surgery (post-op day 1, 7, and 14). Back and leg pain were evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS; 0 = no pain 0, 10 = worst pain) and quality of life using the EuroQol-5D index (0 = death, 1 = best), and EQ-5D-visual analogue scale (VAS; 0 = worst, 100 = best). NRS leg pain was reduced from preoperative to first postoperative day by 5.2 (6.1, 4.3) (mean (95