Decompression For Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Research Articles

Observations on the safety and efficacy of surgical decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis in geriatric patients.

This retrospective study examines the results of surgical decompression of the lumbar spinal canal in 122 geriatric patients (age range 75-89 years) treated under general anesthesia by the same surgeon between the years 1990 and 1999. Patient demographics, perioperative complications, pain profiles before surgery and at the time of data collection (December 2000), as well as overall mortality were recorded. One hundred and twenty-two patients were studied. The average age at the time of surgery was 78.8 years (range 75-89 years). No perioperative deaths were recorded. The mean time elapsed from surgery until patient follow-up was 45.7 months (range 12-119 months). Fourteen patients had died at the time of patient follow-up (December 2000). When compared to pain experienced before surgery, at the time of the interview a significant (P<0.0001) improvement in low-back and radicular pain as well as in the ability to perform daily activities (dressing, washing, getting out of bed and walking) was described. We conclude that, for geriatric patients rated as physical status I-II (>75 years) under the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, surgical release of lumbar spinal stenosis is a safe and effective treatment option. However, the suitability of ASA III patients requires further investigation.

Intradiscal pressure and kinematic behavior of lumbar spine after bilateral laminotomy and laminectomy

Background context: Bilateral laminotomy has been proposed as an alternative to laminectomy for decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis. Preservation of the posterior midline ligaments with laminotomy is presumed to maintain spinal segment stability. There have been no previous studies that directly compare the amount of destabilization and increase in disc pressures between the two procedures. Purpose: To quantify spinal segmental instability caused by bilateral laminotomy and laminectomy, and to compare the central and peripheral intradiscal pressures after the two procedures. Study design/setting: Mechanical testing of the lumbar motion segments of calf spines. Methods: Nine fresh calf spines were tested under flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation, intact first, then after laminotomy and laminectomy at the level of L4–L5. Four miniature pressure transducers were implanted in the central and peripheral disc at L4–L5 to measure intradiscal pressures. Three-dimensional motion was measured with motion analysis system. Results: Comparing with bilateral laminotomy, laminectomy showed significant increase in segmental motion at the surgical level in flexion (16%, p<.05), extension (14%, p<.04) and right axial rotation (23%, p<.03). In flexion, the stress at the anterior annulus increased a nonsignificant 20% after laminotomy, but significant 130% after laminectomy (p<.02). In the intact spine, the posterolateral annulus experienced the highest stress with lateral bending to the same side when compared with other loading directions. This stress remained unchanged after laminotomy but increased 9% after laminectomy (p<.06). In rotation, axial intradiscal stresses were evenly distributed and unchanged after each procedure. Conclusions: Laminectomy causes more destabilization of a spinal motion segment than laminotomy and significantly increases disc stress in the anterior annulus.

Distraction laminoplasty for decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Distraction laminoplasty is a technical modification of routine laminectomy that allows decompression of the lumbar spinal canal with maximal bone preservation. The technique involves the application of a distraction force, in conjunction with an undercutting laminoplasty technique. It is safe, easily applied, and allows excellent canal visualization and decompression with minimal bone resection. The purpose of the current study is to describe the technical aspects of the technique.

Quality of life before and after microsurgical decompression in lumbar spinal stenosis.

Twenty consecutive patients (10 men and 10 women; median age, 68 years) with lumbar spinal stenosis were studied before and after microsurgical decompression without laminectomy. Fourteen of the patients had pure stenosis symptoms, whereas six had intercurrent diseases that could exacerbate the symptoms of stenosis. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.5 years (range, 1 to 15 years). All patients were interviewed before operation, and an assessment form based on and modified from the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire was completed. The ability to perform physical activities including house work, gardening, going to the post office, and so forth was markedly reduced before operation for nearly all patients, and social life such as traveling, meeting friends, and participating in hobbies was similarly restricted. Sleeping was also greatly affected before operation, as were psychological parameters including irritability, depression, infirmity, energy, patience, and concentration. At follow-up 2.8 years after surgery, 13 of the 14 patients with pure stenosis evaluated their quality of life as much improved and principally normal. Among the patients with intercurrent diseases, only two of six judged the quality of their lives as much improved.

Radiologic and computed tomography image evaluation of bone regrowth after wide surgical decompression for lumbar stenosis.

Retrospective study of bone regrowth after decompressive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. To assess bone regrowth at the operation site, to compare the bone regrowth rate calculated from plain radiographs with computed tomographic image examinations, to determine the effects of bone regrowth on clinical outcome, and to investigate the factors promoting bone regrowth. Moderate or marked bone regrowth in a surgical defect has been reported in most patients after decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis. Postoperative bone regrowth is related to recurrence of neurologic symptoms in the middle of and later on in follow-up periods. Twenty-three patients who underwent decompressive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis, with an average follow-up of 8 years, were evaluated retrospectively regarding the degree of bone regrowth at the posterior arch. Early postoperative radiographs and computed tomographic images were compared with those obtained at final follow-up. Bone regrowth at the operation sites was evaluated as a regrowth percentage of the original laminectomy site. Decompressive surgery caused bone regrowth to occur at the operation site in most of the patients. However, this regrowth was mild because the mean bone regrowth rate evaluated from plain radiographs averaged 11% and from computed tomographic images 7.7%. In only 20% of the patients was the bone regrowth rate more than 20%. Changes were found to be more elevated at the facet joint level than at the pedicle level. Evaluations of regrowth obtained from plain films and computed tomographic image examinations were compared. Radiographs seemed to overestimate the bone regrowth. The association of postoperative spinal instability with the development of new bone was statistically significant. No relation between bone regrowth and clinical outcome was found. Bone regrowth in a surgical defect occurs in most patients after posterior decompression. In this study the bone regrowth rate was mild and did not affect the clinical outcome.

A prospective and consecutive study of surgically treated lumbar spinal stenosis. Part II: Five-year follow-up by an independent observer.

A prospective and consecutive study of surgical results obtained during serial follow-up investigations in patients who underwent surgery for central lumbar spinal stenosis. To evaluate the result after surgical decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis, at regular intervals after surgery, and to correlate these results with values for preoperative parameters; special interest was focused on the results in relation to the degree of constriction of the spinal canal. The outcome after surgery for spinal stenosis is debatable; long-term follow-up investigations have indicated deterioration with passing time. Results of studies in nonsurgical patients have demonstrated that the symptoms do not progress with time. Results of a meta-analysis of the literature on surgical results have demonstrated a wide variation of outcomes. In a prospective study, 105 consecutive patients who underwent surgical decompression (laminectomy with facet-preserving technique, but no fusion) were evaluated at follow-up examinations 4 months and 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery. At the follow-up examinations, the patient's opinion on the surgical result was registered, using a four-grade scale. The occurrence of pain at rest and at night was registered, as well as the patient's walking ability. Statistical analysis was performed, relating the surgical results to patient age, gender, preoperative duration of symptoms and radiographically observed constriction as described in Part I of this study. The radiologist was blinded to patient outcome. Logistic regression analysis was performed. During the follow-up period, 19 patients underwent reoperation, consisting of fusion to treat lumbar pain (n = 4), repeat decompression because of progressive stenosis (n = 13), and repairs in response to surgical complications (n = 2). Follow-up results: The result, related to the recurrence of leg symptoms, deteriorated with passing time. Excellent results were reported by 63% to 67% at 4-month and 2-year follow-ups compared with 52% at the 5-year follow-up. There was a correlation between the constriction of the spinal canal and the outcome at all intervals. Patients with an anteroposterior diameter of 6 mm or less at the narrowest site had significantly better results. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between a severe reduction of the anteroposterior diameter and excellent results and a tendency toward better results in patients with a shorter preoperative duration of symptoms. Improvement of walking ability was also associated with a pronounced constriction of the spinal canal. The results after surgical decompression in patients with central spinal stenosis deteriorated with time. There was a significant correlation between good result and pronounced constriction of the spinal canal. Patients with a preoperative duration of symptoms of less than 4 years and patients with no preoperative back pain tended to have better surgical outcomes. The reoperation rate was 18% within 5 years. When surgery for spinal stenosis is contemplated, these prognostic factors should be taken into consideration: The "ideal patient" has a pronounced constriction of the spinal canal, insignificant lower back pain, no concomitant disease affecting walking ability, and a symptom duration of less than 4 years.

Indications for fusion following decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis.

Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis is a common condition affecting middle-aged and elderly people. Significant controversy exists concerning the appropriate indications for fusion following decompressive surgery. The purpose of this report is to compare the clinical outcomes of patients who were and were not treated with fusion following decompressive laminectomy for spinal stenosis and to identify whether fusion was beneficial. The authors conclude that patients in whom concomitant fusion procedures were performed fared better than patients who were treated by means of decompression alone when evidence of radiological instability existed preoperatively.

Clinical and Roentgenographic Results of Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

We reviewed 118 patients who underwent lumbar decompression without fusion for acquired lumbar spinal stenosis between 1980 and 1991. Fifty of these patients (15 men, 35 women) were clinically and roentgenographically reexamined, with quantification of postoperative degenerative changes. The presence of preoperative spondylolisthesis and a postoperative change in spondylolisthesis portended poor outcome. Men had better mean surgical outcome scores than did women, and 6% of the men and 28% of the women underwent further surgery for recurrent stenosis or instability. Women had larger mean postoperative changes in spondylolisthesis than did men. Patients with mild preoperative spondylolisthesis developed a larger slip after the procedure than did those with no preoperative slip. Women and patients with preoperative spondylolisthesis may require changes in existing treatment modalities to improve outcome or alterations in long-term expectations after lumbar decompression for stenosis.

Postoperative Bone Re-growth in Lumber Spinal Stenosis A Multivariate Analysis of 48 Patients

Forty-eight patients who underwent posterior decompressive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis were studied. The effect of bone re-growth after posterior decompression in lumbar spinal stenosis on clinical outcome and the factors promoting the bone re-growth were investigated with a multivariate analysis model. Bone re-growth at the sites operated upon was evaluated as a percentage of re-growth of the original laminectomy site based upon plain radiographs. The degree of bone re-growth was classified into four groups: 1) no significant re-growth (Group I, bone regrowth rate 10% or less); mild (Group II, 11% to 40%), moderate (Group III, 41% to 70%), and marked (Group IV, 71% to 100%). The average follow-up period was 4.5 years (range, 2 to 7 years). No significant bone re-growth was shown in 6% of the patients. Mild re-growth was shown in 50%, moderate re-growth in 29%, and marked re-growth in 15%. A multivariate analysis indicated that a total block in the preoperative myelogram, a follow-up period of more than 5 years, decompression at more than three spinal levels, and age under 60 years were associated with moderate or marked bone re-growth. Spinal instability accelerated the bone re-growth mainly in the mid and later follow-up intervals. Spinal levels adjacent to a fusion showed more bone re-growth. Patients with moderate and marked bone re-growth had poorer clinical outcomes than those with no significant and mild bone re-growth. Bone re-growth in a surgical defect will occur in most patients after posterior decompression. Moderate and marked postoperative bone re-growth are possibly related to recurrence of neurologic symptoms in the middle of and later on in follow-up periods.

Lumbar spinal stenosis and diabetes. Outcome of surgical decompression

We reviewed 25 diabetic (mean age 68 years) and 25 non-diabetic patients (mean age 71 years) who had undergone decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis at a mean of 3.4 years after operation to determine whether diabetes affected the outcome of surgery. The preoperative symptoms were similar in the two groups except that an abrupt onset of symptoms, the presence of night pain and the absence of any posture-related pain relief were recorded only by diabetic patients. Nerve-conduction velocity was slowed in 80% of the diabetic and in 25% of the non-diabetic patients. Peripheral vascular deficiency was diagnosed in 20% of patients with diabetes and in 4% of non-diabetics. The outcome of surgery was similarly successful in the two groups. Mistaken preoperative diagnosis was the cause of failure in three diabetic patients, two with diabetic neuropathy and one with diabetic angiopathy.

Bone regrowth after surgical decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis.

We reviewed 40 patients treated surgically for lumbar stenosis at an average time of 8.6 years after operation. In 32, total laminectomy had been performed and in eight bilateral laminotomy, both at one or more levels. Of the 16 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, ten had had a concomitant spinal fusion. Patients were assigned to one of four groups according to the amount of bone regrowth: group 0 had no regrowth and groups I, II, and III, had mild, moderate or marked regrowth, respectively. Only 12% of the patients showed no bone regrowth; 48% were assigned to group I, 28% to group II and 12% to group III. Imaging studies showed varying degrees of recurrent stenosis in patients with moderate or marked bone regrowth. All patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis showed bone regrowth, which was more severe in those who had not had a fusion. The clinical results were satisfactory in most of the patients with mild or no bone regrowth and significantly less good in those with moderate or marked regrowth. In the group with degenerative spondylolisthesis, the proportion of satisfactory results was significantly higher in patients who had had spinal fusion. The long-term results of surgery for lumbar stenosis depend both upon the amount of bone regrowth and the degree of postoperative vertebral stability.

Low risk for vertebral slipping after decompression with facet joint preserving technique for lumbar spinal stenosis

The incidence and magnitude of vertebral slipping after decompression for central lumbar spinal stenosis were determined in a prospective study of 60 consecutive patients. Mean patient age was 64 (35-83) years, and 35 patients were men. In all cases, laminectomy was performed using a facet joint preserving undercutting technique. Plain radiographs were obtained before and 1 year after surgery. Vertebral slipping and disc degeneration were measured. Preoperative degenerative olisthesis was seen in 19 of the 60 patients. Further slipping had occurred in 6 of these patients by 1 year postoperatively. Of the remaining 41 patients, only 1 showed a postoperative slipping. Improvement concerning leg pain was reported by 45 patients, and there was no difference in patients with or without postoperative slipping. It is concluded that decompression with a facet joint preserving technique yielded a low risk for postoperative vertebral slipping. The risk for slip was higher in patients with preoperative degenerative olisthesis but was still less than 1/3. Vertebral slipping did not influence the outcome of the operation at 1 year. Our results do not support the routine use of spinal fusion in connection with decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis.

Decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis and stabilization with Knodt rods in the elderly patient

We present a series of 25 elderly patients who exhibited signs and symptoms of neurogenic claudication and who were found to have one or two levels of spinal stenosis. At the time of decompressive surgery, excessive movement was found at the stenotic levels, so a simple stabilization procedure was performed using Knodt rods and a facet fusion. The expectation was that spine fixation would decrease the amount of postoperative back pain, which can be a result of continued abnormal mobility. All of the patients have been followed for 2 or more years. This elderly group of individuals tolerated surgery well, and long-term results were good.

Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Stabilization with Knodt Rods in the Elderly Patient

Abstract We present a series of 25 elderly patients who exhibited signs and symptoms of neurogenic claudication and who were found to have one or two levels of spinal stenosis. At the time of decompressive surgery, excessive movement was found at the stenotic levels, so a simple stabilization procedure was performed using Knodt rods and a facet fusion. The expectation was that spine fixation would decrease the amount of postoperative back pain, which can be a result of continued abnormal mobility. All of the patients have been followed for 2 or more years. This elderly group of individuals tolerated surgery well, and long-term results were good.

Rationale for spinal fusion in lumbar spinal stenosis.

In order to define the indications for spinal fusion in patients undergoing decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis, 114 patients surgically treated were reviewed. Follow-up was 24 to 108 months. Patients were grouped into four categories: 15 with lateral recess stenosis, 45 with central-mixed stenosis, 43 with stenosis following prior lumbar surgery(s), and 11 with scoliosis and spinal stenosis. Only two patients with lateral recess stenosis underwent fusion with fair results. Approximately one-third of those with central-mixed stenosis required a fusion. Results were good in 70%. In those with stenosis following prior lumbar surgeries, although not statistically significant, those who had concomitant decompression and arthrodesis had a better outcome than those in whom decompression only was done. Patients with scoliosis and stenosis had decompression for significant motor and reflex deficits and fusion over the length of their major curves. Patients having decompression for lumbar stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis, isolated disc resorption with degenerative facet joints, intervertebral disc disease with instability, and those with scoliosis with multidirectional instabilities benefit from concomitant spinal fusion.

Postoperative instability after decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis.

Slipping after decompression for myelographically verified spinal stenosis (AP diameter less than or equal to 11 mm) was studied in 45 patients (32 men and 13 women). Mean age at the time of operation was 64 years. Mean time of postoperative observation was 46 months. The results in 29 patients were excellent or good and in 16 unchanged or worse. Degenerative spondylolisthesis was found in 20 patients and acquired spinal stenosis in 25. Postoperative slipping was seen in 18 patients. Seven belonged to the good group. A significant increase of patients with slipping was seen in the poor group (P less than 0.01). An enhanced risk of further slipping was seen in degenerative spondylolisthesis (P less than 0.01), but it did not influence the result of the operation. The radicality of the operation was about equal in both the good and poor groups and in the groups with or without postoperative slipping. A general decrease of the disc heights after operation was seen in all groups but was not significant in the poor group.

New techniques for decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Central and lateral stenoses of the lumbar neural canal are relatively less common causes of chronic pain in the lumbar back and the legs. However, their incidence is much higher than was previously thought. Accurate anatomical diagnosis was difficult until the advent of high resolution computed tomographic scanning. Appropriate decompressive surgery can now be designed and "guided" by the scans and the clinical syndrome. New or highly modified surgical procedures are now being used with good to excellent clinical results in as high as 80% of the cases depending upon the technique chosen. Many of these cases are failed back surgical cases and those whose diagnoses were not established by standard means, e.g., plain films, myelography, low resolution tomography, discography, etc. The good results reported here include patients with pain and disorders of long standing.

New techniques for decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis

New techniques for decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis

Results of Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Approximately 80% of patients with spinal stenosis return to their usual occupations following decompressive laminectomy. It is essential to recognize distinctive features of stenosis on myelography and in accordance with the individual patients' clinical problems, to carry out an adequate decompression.

Classification of Mental Disorders

<h3>Background</h3> Approved treatment modalities for the surgical management of lumbar spinal stenosis encompass a variety of direct and indirect methods of decompression, though all have varying degrees of limitations and morbidity which potentially limit the efficacy and durability of the treatment. The coflex^® interlaminar stabilization implant (Paradigm Spine, New York, NY), examined under a United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical trial, is shown to have durable outcomes when compared to posterolateral fusion in the setting of post-decompression stabilization for stenotic patients. Other clinical and radiographic parameters, more indicative of durability, were also evaluated. The data collected from these parameters were used to expand the FDA composite clinical success (CCS) endpoint; thus, creating a more stringent Therapeutic Sustainability Endpoint (TSE). The TSE allows more precise calculation of the durability of interlaminar stabilization (ILS) when compared to the fusion control group. <h3>Methods</h3> A retrospective analysis of data generated from a prospective, randomized, level-1 trial that was conducted at 21 US sites was carried out. Three hundred forty-four per-protocol subjects were enrolled and randomized to ILS or fusion after decompression for lumbar stenosis with up to grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis. Clinical, safety, and radiographic data were collected and analyzed in both groups. Four-year outcomes were assessed, and the TSE was calculated for both cohorts. The clinical and radiographic factors thought to be associated with therapeutic sustainability were added to the CCS endpoints which were used for premarket approval (PMA). <h3>Results</h3> Success rate, comprised of no second intervention and an ODI improvement of ≥ 15 points, was 57.6% of ILS and 46.7% of fusion patients (p = 0.095). Adding lack of fusion in the ILS cohort and successful fusion in the fusion cohort showed a CCS of 42.7% and 33.3%, respectively. Finally, adding adjacent level success to both cohorts and maintenance of foraminal height in the coflex cohort showed a CCS of 36.6% and 25.6%, respectively. With additional follow-up to five years in the U.S. PMA study, these trends are expected to continue to show the superior therapeutic sustainability of ILS compared to posterolateral fusion after decompression for spinal stenosis. <h3>Conclusion</h3> There are clear differences in both therapeutic sustainability and intended clinical effect of ILS compared to posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw fixation after decompression for spinal stenosis. There are CCS differences between coflex and fusion cohorts noted at four years post-op similar to the trends revealed in the two year data used for PMA approval. When therapeutic sustainability outcomes are added to the CCS, ILS is proven to be a sustainable treatment for stabilization of the vertebral motion segment after decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis.