This study was conducted to identify the effects of the critical pathway (CP) on the quality of medical care, and to determine means of reducing costs for lumbar posterolateral fusion in patient with lumbar spinal stenosis.

The subjects were 25 control patients with lumbar posterolateral fusion, and 25 experimental patients with application of CP. We compared the patients' functional status using the Oswestry disability index, patients'satisfaction by quality patient care scale, the length of hospitalization and the medical charges between the two groups.

Differences between the Oswestry disability index of the experimental and control groups were not significant. No differences were found between two groups regarding general care, but the experimental group was more satisfied with specific care related to spinal fusion. The mean length of stay of the experimental group was shorter than that of the control group, and the charge of medication and treatment of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group.

Critical pathway improves the quality of care and reduces medical charges.