Does Multilevel Lumbar Stenosis Lead to Poorer Outcomes?

Abstract

Patients with spinal stenosis without associated degenerative spondylolisthesis or scoliosis can be managed nonoperatively irrespective of the number of levels involved. If surgery is performed, the number of levels treated does not predict outcome. In contrast, patients with concomitant degenerative spondylolisthesis and single level stenosis do better surgically than those with additional levels of stenosis. This study emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making between the physician and patient when considering treatment for spinal stenosis.