Interspinous ligamentoplasty for symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis coexisting with mild segmental instability and vertebral body fracture: a report of 2 cases and a literature review

Abstract

This report aimed to present successfully treated cases of lumbar spinal stenosis coexisting with mild segmental instability and vertebral body fracture. Two patients presented with chief complaints of sciatica and back pain that had lasted for 2 months. Preoperative images revealed lumbar spinal stenosis with mild segmental instability and compression fracture. Interspinous ligamentoplasty was done under general anesthesia. Treatment outcomes were assessed by numeric rating scale (NRS) scores, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-ray examinations. Favorable treatment outcomes were observed: Sciatica and back pain improved and the patients’ NRS scores also improved. Postoperative MRI showed sufficient decompression, and X-rays showed stabilization at the index level. Postoperative complications were not reported. Interspinous ligamentoplasty can be a good surgical option for lumbar spinal stenosis that coexists with mild segmental instability and vertebral body fracture.