Purvis TE, et al. - Experts ascertained the between-patient variability in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at four postoperative time points after lumbar laminectomy with arthrodesis. They also determined the within-patient correlation of 1-year PROs with PROs at three earlier time points and assessed the ability of early PROs to predict 1-year PROs after lumbar laminectomy with arthrodesis. Nonetheless, findings suggested variability of postoperative recovery, patients at risk for poor 1-year outcomes my be identified by early PROs and this may help tailor care during the first year after lumbar laminectomy with arthrodesis.