A report on the early results of the BacJac interspinous distraction device: a prospective study in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

Abstract

Aims: This is a report on the early clinical outcome of the BacJac interspinous distraction device in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Materials and methods: This is a prospective study on a group of patients who underwent surgery from February 2010 to December 2012. There were 21 consecutive patients who had insertion of a BacJac. Data prospectively recorded included Visual Analogue Scores for leg pain (VL), back pain (VB), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), and walking distance (WD). Scores were recorded preand postoperatively and at final review. The follow-up period varied from 6 to 40 months. Results: We found all clinical outcome measures improved following surgery. Mean scores for VL improved from 76 to 27, for VB from 49 to 24, and for ODI from 42 to 26 at final follow-up. There were also improvements noted in ZCQ scores and patient-reported WD. We also noted a high rate of osteolysis (76%) around the implant at 1 year from insertion. Conclusion: This small prospective study suggests that there is a role for the use of the BacJac interspinous distraction devices in selected patients. Osteolysis around the implant remains an issue although this did not appear to compromise the early outcome in this study.