Central sensitization as a predictor of short-term postoperative outcomes in lumbar spinal stenosis: a prospective observational study

PURPOSE: Central sensitization (CS) has been increasingly recognized as a key factor influencing pain perception and recovery in degenerative spinal disorders. This study aimed to investigate whether preoperative CS predicts postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). METHODS: Eighty-six patients with LSS who underwent decompression surgery were prospectively evaluated. CS was assessed using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), with a cutoff score of ≥ 40 defining CS. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were recorded preoperatively and at three months. Between-group comparisons and multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine the independent effect of CS on postoperative improvement. RESULTS: Patients with CS (54.7%) reported significantly greater baseline pain, disability, and anxiety (all p