Elective lumbar spinal decompression in the elderly: Is it a high-risk operation?

摘要

IntroductionSpinal degeneration leading to spinal stenosis is increasingly common in an aging population. Many patients are not referred for operation because of the fear of severe complications. The purpose of this study was to relate the surgical risks involved in elective spinal decompression in elderly patients to those of total hip arthroplasty, a well-accepted procedure whose risks and benefits are well known.