In all the studies, surgery showed
better results for pain, disability, and quality of life, although not
for walking ability. Results of surgery were similar among patients
with and without spondylolisthesis, and slightly better among those
with neurogenic claudication than among those without it. The
advantage of surgery was noticeable at 3 to 6 months and remained
for up to 2 to 4 years, although at the end of that period differences
tended to be smaller.