Less invasive back surgery may offer faster relief for spinal stenosis patients

This study compared two surgical approaches for people with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing in the lower spine that causes pain and numbness). 96 adults aged 40-75 who had symptoms for at least three months were randomly assigned to receive either minimally invasive decompression and fusion or traditional open surgery. Researchers tracked changes in disability, pain, and safety over 12 months to see which method provides better recovery and quality of life.