Table 3 The four most frequently reported aspects complicating surgical decision making
| Decision to perform surgery | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | Might consider | |
| Complicating aspects | Radiological features (complicating surgery) | Radiological features without pain | Radiological features |
| Absence of pain | Lack of evidence | Absence/presence of pain | |
| Progression of symptoms so far | Absence of disability | Unclear prognosis with/without surgery | |
| Expected progression of symptoms | Stable clinical course so far | Absence/presence of disability | |