Interspinous devices for lumbar stenosis – a review of the literature

Abstract

Interspinous process distraction devices are emerging as a treatment for lumbar spinal canal and foraminal stenosis. Lifetime risk is around 10%. The number of patients who could potentially benefit from such surgery is large and is projected to rise. A literature search was undertaken of relevant bibliographic databases, limited to four main languages. High level searching was performed using relevant web-based resources. . The literature review indicated that interspinous devices are effective, in the short term, in treating claudication related to spinal stenosis. There was however, a lack of medium and long-term outcome data, particularly with respect to durability of symptom relief and the risks of device migration or dislocation. There was also little published comparison against alternative conventional surgery. Interspinous devices are a promising new technology, the results of longer-term clinical follow-up studies are needed to define more clearly their role in the management of lumbar spinal stenosis.