Patients Undergoing Lumbar Decompression Surgery Research Articles

Reassessing the minimum 2-year follow-up standard after lumbar decompression surgery: a 2-month follow-up seems to be an acceptable minimum

BACKGROUND CONTEXTAcademic orthopedic journals and specialty societies emphasize the importance of two-year follow-up for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) after spine surgery, but there are limited data evaluating the appropriate length of follow-up. PURPOSETo determine whether PROMs, as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), would change significantly after 2-months postoperatively after lumbar decompression surgery for disc herniation or spinal stenosis. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective analysis of prospectively and consecutively enrolled patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery between 2020 and 2021 from a single surgeon spine registry. PATIENT SAMPLEOne hundred sixty-nine patients. OUTCOME MEASURESODI, achievement of minimum clinically important difference (MCID), revisions. METHODSPatients without a preoperative baseline score were excluded. Completion of the ODI questionnaire was assessed at the follow-up points. The median ODI was compared at time baseline, 2-month, 1-year and 2-year follow-up. Risk of reoperation was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to identify at-risk ODI thresholds of requiring reoperation. RESULTSMedian ODI significantly improved at all time points compared to baseline (median baseline ODI: 40; 2-month ODI: 16, p=.001; 1-year ODI: 11.1, p=.001; 2-year ODI: 8, p=.001). Posthoc analysis demonstrated no difference between 2-months, 1-year and 2-year postoperative ODI (p=.9, p=.468, p=.606). The MCID was met in 87.9% of patients at 2 months, 80.7% at 1 year, and 87.3% at 2 years postoperatively. Twelve patients (7.7%) underwent revision surgery between 2 months and 2 years after the index surgery (median time to revision: 5.6 months). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that an ODI score ≥24 points at 2-months yielded a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 71.8% for predicting revision after lumbar decompression (AUC=0.758; 95% CI: 0.613–0.903). The Youden optimal threshold value of ≥24 points at 2-month postop ODI yielded an odd ratio (OR) for revision of 15.3 (CI: 1.8–131.8; p=.004). The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 15.4% and 98.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONTwo-year clinical follow-up may not be necessary for future peer-reviewed lumbar decompression surgery studies given that ODI plateaus at 8 weeks. Patients with a score ≥24 points at 2-months postoperatively have a higher risk of requiring a second surgery within the first 2 years and warrant continued follow-up.

Incidental Durotomy After Posterior Lumbar Decompression Surgery Associated With Increased Risk for Venous Thromboembolism.

Incidental durotomies can occur during posterior lumbar decompression surgery. Not only can this slow patient recovery but many surgeons recommend a period of bed rest in these situations, which can further slow mobilization. This immobility might be associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after spinal surgery. This study aims to determine whether incidental durotomies are associated with increased risk of VTE in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery. Adult patients undergoing laminectomy or laminotomy (excluding any with concomitant fusion procedures) for degenerative etiologies and with a minimum of 90-day follow-up were identified from the MSpine Pearldiver dataset. Incidental durotomies were identified based on hospital administrative coding, and patient demographics, comorbidities, and the occurrence and timing of VTE (deep vein thrombosis [DVT] and/or pulmonary embolism) were defined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Of 156,488 lumbar decompression patients included in the study, incidental durotomies was noted for 2,036 (1.3%). Markedly more VTEs were observed in the first five days in the incidental durotomies group ( P < 0.001) but not incrementally any day after ( P > 0.05). On univariate analyses, a significant increased risk of VTE, DVT, and PE was observed ( P < 0.001 for each). On multivariate analyses controlling for age, sex, and comorbidities, odds were significantly increased for VTE (Odds ratios = 1.75, P < 0.001) and DVT (OR=1.70, P < 0.001) but not independently significant for pulmonary embolism. Patients who have incidental durotomies during lumbar laminectomy or laminotomy surgery were found to have increased odds of VTE, primarily in the first five days. Although not all factors associated with this could be directly determined, slower mobilization would seem to be a likely contributing factor. Increasing mobilization and/or adjusting chemoprophylaxis in this group would seem appropriately considered.

Usefulness of the Brief Scale for Psychiatric Problems in Orthopaedic Patients (BS-POP) for Predicting Poor Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Decompression Surgery.

Background The Brief Scale for Psychiatric Problems in Orthopaedic Patients (BS-POP) is an original questionnaire that evaluates psychosocial problems in orthopaedic patients. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between BS-POP scores and surgical outcomes in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Methods From our database, a total of 157 patients with LSS who had undergone decompression surgery and completed a 1-year follow-up were retrospectively observed. The primary outcome was the numerical rating scale (NRS) score for satisfaction with surgery (from 0: not satisfied to 10: completely satisfied). Patients with an NRS score ≥8 were classified into the satisfied group. The secondary outcomes were NRS scores for low back pain, leg pain, and leg numbness and scores on the Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ). BS-POP was used to detect psychiatric problems before surgery. A BS-POP score ≥11 on the physician version or a combination of 10 on the physician version and ≥15 on the patient version was considered to indicate the presence of psychiatric problems. The patients were classified into two groups and compared based on preoperative BS-POP scores at the 1-year follow-up. Results Preoperatively, 22 and 135 patients showed high and low BS-POP scores, respectively. No significant differences in preoperative symptoms were found between the two groups. At 1 year after surgery, patients with high BS-POP scores showed significantly lower satisfaction with surgery, higher NRS scores for low back pain, leg pain, and leg numbness, and lower RDQ deviation scores than did the low BS-POP group (p < 0.05). The results of the multivariable analysis indicated that preoperative high BS-POP scores were independently associated with low satisfaction with surgery (odds ratio: 5.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.9–15.1). Conclusion High preoperative BS-POP scores were associated with poor outcomes for decompression surgery in patients with LSS at 1 year after surgery. These results suggest that BS-POP is a useful tool for predicting surgical outcomes in patients with LSS.

Accelerometry-based physical activity, disability and quality of life before and after lumbar decompression surgery from a physiotherapeutic perspective: An observational cohort study

BackgroundThe effect of lumbar decompression on physical activity (PA) measures (measured as number of steps/day and as moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA)) is poorly understood. The aim of the current study was to compare PA in patients before and after lumbar decompression and to determine the association between change in steps/day and MVPA with change in disability, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and pain. MethodsPatients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery were recruited. Steps/day and MVPA MVPA were recorded with an accelerometer. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), HRQOL (Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36)) and pain levels (visual analogue scale (VAS)) were collected prior to surgery and six and twelve weeks postoperatively. Steps/day were compared to the lower bound of steps/day in healthy persons (7,000 steps per day), and the relationship between changes in steps/day, MVPA, ODI, SF-36, and VAS were calculated. ResultsTwenty-six patients aged 37 to 75 years met inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Lumbar decompressions were performed for stenosis and/or disc herniation. Preoperatively, patients took an average 5,073±2,621 (mean±standard deviation) steps/day. At 6 weeks postoperatively, patients took 6,131±2,343 steps/day. At 12 weeks postoperatively, patients took 5,683±2,128 steps/day. Postoperative MVPA minutes per week increased compared to preoperative MVPA (preoperative: 94.6±122.9; 6 weeks: 173.9±181.9; 12 weeks: 145.7±132.8). From preoperative to 12 weeks postoperative, change in steps correlated with MVPA (R=0.775; P<0.001), but not with ODI (R=0.069; P=0.739), SF-36 (R=0.138; P=0.371), VAS in the back (R=0.230; P=0.259) or VAS in the leg (R=-0.123; P=0.550). ConclusionsDuring the first 12 postoperative weeks, daily steps did not reach the lower bound of normal step activity of 7,000 steps/day, however postoperative steps/day were higher than before surgery. Steps/day and MVPA appear to be independent of ODI and SF-36 and represent additional outcome parameters in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery and should be considered e.g., by physiotherapists especially from 6 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Level of evidence2, prospective cohort study

Do Patients with Back Pain-Dominant Symptoms Improve After Lumbar Surgery for Radiculopathy or Claudication?

Currently, few studies have examined whether patients with back or leg pain-predominant symptoms fare better clinically after lumbar spine surgery; therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with back pain-dominant symptoms improved to a similar degree as patients with mixed or leg pain-dominant symptoms after lumbar surgery. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single academic center, in which patients were stratified into three groups: (1) back pain-dominant group (B) (visual analog score [VAS] back - VAS leg ≥ 1.0 point), (2) neutral group (N) (VAS back - VAS leg < 1.0 point), or (3) leg pain-dominant group (L) (VAS leg - VAS back ≥ 1.0 point), using a VAS threshold difference of 1.0 point. As a secondary analysis, the VAS leg-to-back pain (LBR) ratio was used to further stratify patients: (1) nonleg pain-dominant (NLPD) group (LBR ≤ 1.0) or (2) leg pain-dominant (LPD) group (LBR > 1.0). Patient outcomes, including physical component score of the short form-12 survey (PCS-12), mental component score of the short form-12 survey (MCS-12), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), were identified and compared between groups using univariate and multivariate analysis. There were no significant differences in preoperative, postoperative, or delta scores for PCS-12 or ODI scores between groups. In patients undergoing decompression surgery, those with back pain-dominant or mixed symptoms (B, N, or NLPD groups) did not improve with respect to MCS-12 scores after surgery (P > .05), and those with leg pain-dominant symptoms (LPD group) had greater delta MCS-12 scores (P = .046) and greater recovery rates (P = .035). Multiple linear regression did not find LPD to be an independent predictor of PCS-12 or ODI scores. Patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery and leg pain-dominant symptoms noted a greater improvement in MCS-12 scores; however, there were no differences in PCS-12 or ODI scores. 3. Patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery demonstrate no major clinically significant differences when split up by pain-dominance groups.

RETRACTED: 137. Study great expectations on the novel predictor of outcome after spinal surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Patients' expectations of treatment are a potentially important predictor of self-rated outcome after surgery. Some studies suggest that high baseline expectations per se yield better outcomes, others maintain that the fulfillment of prior expectations is paramount, and still others assert that it is the actual improvement in symptom status that governs outcome, regardless of prior expectations. PURPOSE The present study compared different theories on the role of expectations in a group of patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Prospective study. PATIENT SAMPLE This study included 763 patients. OUTCOME MEASURES A total of 763 patients took part (463 F, 300 M; mean [SD] age, 67 [10] years). Before surgery, they completed a booklet containing the Roland-Morris (RM) disability questionnaire, 0-10 pain graphic rating scales (back and leg separately), and Likert-scales about the degree of improvement expected in various domains. Two and 12 months after surgery, questions were answered regarding the perceived improvement for each of these domains, the RM and pain scales were completed again, and the patients rated the global outcome on a 5-point Likert-scale. METHODS A total of 763 patients took part (463 F, 300 M; mean [SD] age,67 [10] years). Before surgery, they completed a booklet containing the Roland-Morris (RM) disability questionnaire, 0-10 pain graphic rating scales (back and leg separately), and Likert-scales about the degree of improvement expected in various domains. Two and 12 months after surgery, questions were answered regarding the perceived improvement for each of these domains, the RM and pain scales were completed again, and the patients rated the global outcome on a 5-point Likert-scale. RESULTS Compared with the actual improvement recorded at 12 months, prior expectations had been overly optimistic in about 45% patients for the domains leg pain, back pain, walking capacity, social life, mental well-being, and independence, and in 50% of patients for everyday activities and sport. There was no significant relationship between baseline expectations and follow-up scores for back pain, leg pain, RM-disability (corrected for baseline values), or global outcome. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that expectations being fulfilled was the most significant predictor of global outcome. CONCLUSIONS In this patient group, expectations of surgery were overly optimistic. Having one's expectations fulfilled was most important for a good outcome. The results emphasize the importance of assessing patient-orientated outcome in routine practice, and the factors that might influence it, such that realistic expectations can be established for patients before surgery. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Does Smoking Affect Short-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes After Lumbar Decompression?

Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Objective:The goal of this study was to determine how smoking status influences patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.Methods:Patients undergoing lumbar decompression between 1 to 3 levels at a single-center, academic hospital were retrospectively identified. Patients <18 years old, and those undergoing surgery for infection, trauma, tumor, or revision, with less than 12 months of follow-up were excluded. Patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) never smokers (NSs); (2) current smokers (CSs); and (3) former smokers (FSs). PROMs analyzed included the Physical Component Score and Mental Component Score of the Short Form-12 Health Survey, the Oswestry Disability Index, and Visual Analogue Scale Back and Leg pain scores. One-way ANOVA was used to compare preoperative and postoperative scores between smoking groups, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine whether smoking status predicted change in each outcome score, controlling for factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and other clinical variables. A P value <.05 was considered to be significant.Results:A total of 195 patients were included in the final cohort, with 121 (62.1%) patients in the NS group, 22 (11.3%) in the CS group, and 52 (26.6%) in the FS group. There were no significant differences between groups at baseline or postoperatively. Smoking status was also not a significant predictor of change in any outcome scores over time on multivariate analysis.Conclusion:These results suggest that smoking status does not significantly affect short-term complications or outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.

How do spinopelvic parameters influence patient-reported outcome measurements after lumbar decompression?

Spinopelvic parameters indicative of sagittal imbalance include a pelvic tilt (PT) greater than 20° and a mismatch between pelvic incidence (PI) and lumbar lordosis (LL) greater than 10°. However, unlike in fusion surgery, the relationship between spinopelvic parameters and patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery for neurologic symptoms is less clear. To determine whether PROMs are affected by the amount of residual (postoperative) PI-LL mismatch or PT in patients undergoing one- to three-level lumbar decompression surgeries. Retrospective cohort study (Level of Evidence: III). Patients undergoing between one to three levels of lumbar decompression surgery at a single, academic institution. PROMs-including the PCS-12, MCS-12, ODI, and VAS Back and Leg pain scores-and radiographic measurements of spinopelvic parameters. Patients were separated into groups based on a postoperative PI-LL mismatch of ≤10° or >10° and a postoperative PT<20° or ≥20°. Absolute PROM scores, the recovery ratio (RR) and the percentage of patients achieving Minimum Clinically Important Difference between groups were compared and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed. A total of 167 patients were included, with 27 patients in the PI-LL>10° group and 91 patients in the PT≥20° group. All groups exhibited significant improvement after surgery for each PROM included (p<.05) except for MCS-12 scores in the PI-LL≤10° group and both PT groups. Comparing between groups, all patients were similar with respect to preoperative scores, postoperative scores, change in scores, recovery ratios, and percentage change in Minimum Clinically Important Difference, except that patients with PT≥20° had higher pre- and postoperative VAS Back scores (p=.036 and p=.024, respectively). With multiple linear regression, postoperative PI-LL>10° and PT≥20° were not significant predictors of worse outcomes for any measured PROM. Patients with postoperative measurements PI-LL>10° and PT≥20° without instability had similar PROMs at 1 year after limited lumbar decompression when compared to patients without a spinopelvic mismatch.

Shape of the Spinal Canal Is Not Associated with Success Rates of Microsurgical Unilateral Laminotomy and Bilateral Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis

Anatomic shape of the spinal canal (oval, round, trefoil) has been reported to predict outcome of bilateral decompression performed in an undercutting technique via unilateral laminotomy in monosegmental lumbar spinal stenosis, with poorest results observed in a trefoil spinal canal, leading to the proposal of using bilateral instead of unilateral laminotomy. The aim of this study was to assess whether this anatomic classification into oval, round, and trefoil shapes is relevant to surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery was performed. Spinal canal configuration was assessed on preoperative computed tomography based on maximal transverse and anteroposterior diameter, and shapes were classified into oval, round, and trefoil. Associations between spinal canal shape and outcome improvement (aggregate of walking distance and leg pain) were tested. Decompression of 236 lumbar levels was performed in 159 patients (mean age, 73 ± 8 years; mean body mass index, 29 ± 6). Average number of operated segments was 1.3 ± 0.6. Oval configurations were detected in 155 (65%) levels, round configurations were detected in 11 (5%) levels, and trefoil configurations were detected in 70 (30%) levels. Postoperative improvement was recorded in 91.7% of patients. Spinal canal shape had no influence on surgical outcome (oval, area under the curve 0.529, P=0.672; trefoil, area under the curve 0.500, P= 0.997; round, area under the curve 0.471, P= 0.670). Spinal canal configuration varies in frequency with lumbar segment. Our results do not support the idea that this anatomic classification, particularly the nomenclature of oval, round, and trefoil, should influence surgical decision making.

Is rehabilitation intervention during hospitalization enough for functional improvements in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery? A prospective randomized controlled study

Rehabilitation has been reported to improve pain and disability for patients after lumbar surgery. However, studies to investigate the rehabilitation intervention for lumbar decompression surgery during hospitalization are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine outcomes of perioperative rehabilitation intervention for patients who underwent lumbar decompression surgery (LDS). Patients aged 18-65 years old who received their first LDS were randomized into the perioperative rehabilitation group (PG) or control group (CG). The PG received rehabilitation intervention during hospitalization for lumbar decompression surgery. Pain, functional capacity, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) were assessed on admission, at discharge, and at follow-ups one month, three months, and six months after surgery. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used for statistical analysis. A total of 60 patients scheduled for decompression surgery for lumbar stenosis were enrolled into the study. After surgery, the PG showed significant pain relief and improvement of disability as well as quality of life, but there were no significant functional improvements compared with the CG. The findings of this study indicate that the rehabilitation intervention during hospitalization improves pain intensity as well as disability and quality of life, yet has limited effects on the functional performance over time up to six months post-surgery in patients who received LDS. The study suggest that rehabilitation interventions during hospitalization must include regular support for patient adherence to the intervention program and focus on task-oriented programs for lower extremities such as closed-chain exercises in functional postures.

Efficacy and Safety of Low Molecular Weight Heparin Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism Following Lumbar Decompression Surgery

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lumbar decompression surgery. Patients at high or the highest risk of VTE who underwent lumbar spine surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to April 2011 were included in the present study. All the patients received a half dose of LMWH 6 hours after surgery followed by a full dose LMWH once per day until discharge. We recorded incidences of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding complications, and medication side effects. Seventy-eight consecutive patients were eligible and enrolled in this study. The mean hospital stat was 8.5±4.5 days. No symptomatic DVT, PE, or major bleeding events were observed. One patient developed wound ecchymosis, another developed wound bleeding, four had mild hepatic aminotransferase level elevation, and one developed a suspicious allergic reaction. LMWH may be applied as an effective and safe prophylaxis for VTE in high-risk patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.

Prospective Study of Postoperative Lumbar Epidural Hematoma

Prospective clinical series. To determine the incidence, volume, and extent of postoperative epidural hematoma resulting in thecal sac compression, and to identify risk factors correlated with measured hematoma volumes. Risk factors for postoperative hematoma development have been retrospectively determined in small populations of symptomatic patients. A prospective study of hematoma characteristics and associated risk factors in a consecutive series of patients could significantly enhance our understanding of postoperative hematoma. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and clinical data on 13 pre- and intraoperative risk factors were prospectively collected on 50 consecutive patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery with or without fusion. Postoperative magnetic resonance imagings were performed within 2 to 5 days of surgery. Thecal sac cross-sectional area was calculated at each disc space. Relative thecal sac compression due to hematoma was calculated at all levels where postoperative cross-sectional area was smaller than preoperative. Hematoma volumes were calculated. Multivariate analysis identified risk factors associated with postoperative hematoma volume. After decompression, 58% of patients developed epidural hematoma of sufficient magnitude to compress the thecal sac beyond its preoperative state at one or more levels. None developed new postoperative neurologic deficits. A mean of 1.4 levels were decompressed. Hematoma extended over a mean of 1.9 levels. Maximal thecal sac compression due to hematoma occurred at an adjacent, nondecompressed level in 28% of patients. Multivariate analysis found age greater than 60, multilevel procedures, and preoperative international normalized ratio to be associated with larger hematoma volumes. Lumbar decompression surgery results in a 58% incidence of asymptomatic compressive postoperative epidural hematoma. Adjacent level compression by hematoma occurs in 28% of patients. Advanced age, multilevel procedures, and international normalized ratio are independently associated with postoperative hematoma volume.

Biomechanical and neurophysiological responses to spinal manipulation in patients with lumbar radiculopathy

Objective The purpose of this study was to quantify in vivo vertebral motions and neurophysiological responses during spinal manipulation. Methods Nine patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery participated in this study. Spinal manipulative thrusts (SMTs) (∼5 ms; 30 N [Sham], 88 N, 117 N, and 150 N [max]) were administered to lumbar spine facet joints (FJs) and spinous processes (SPs) adjacent to an intraosseous pin with an attached triaxial accelerometer and bipolar electrodes cradled around the S1 spinal nerve roots. Peak baseline amplitude compound action potential (CAP) response and peak-peak amplitude axial (AX), posterior-anterior (PA), and medial-lateral (ML) acceleration time and displacement time responses were computed for each SMT. Within-subject statistical analyses of the effects of contact point and force magnitude on vertebral displacements and CAP responses were performed. Results SMTs (≥ 88 N) resulted in significantly greater peak-to-peak ML, PA, and AX vertebral displacements compared with sham thrusts ( P < .002). SMTs delivered to the FJs resulted in approximately 3-fold greater ML motions compared with SPs ( P < .001). SMTs over the SPs resulted in significantly greater AX displacements compared with SMTs applied to the FJs ( P < .05). Seventy-five percent of SMTs resulted in positive CAP responses with a mean latency of 12.0 ms. Collectively, the magnitude of the CAP responses was significantly greater for max setting SMTs compared with sham ( P < .01). Conclusions Impulsive SMTs in human subjects were found to stimulate spinal nerve root responses that were temporally related to the onset of vertebral motion. Further work, including examination of the frequency and force duration dependency of SMT, is necessary to elucidate the clinical relevance of enhanced or absent CAP responses in patients.

Editorial Comment

The symposium entitled “New Developments in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis”, was designed to present an update of techniques, long-term results, and surgical recommendations for difficult or associated problems in the treatment of patients with this disorder. The Guest Editors are grateful to the following authors for their immense contributions. K. Hansraj and colleagues presented a new clinical classification system describing typical and complex lumbar spinal stenoses. The authors presented clinical, outcome, and survivorship results. P. O’Leary and S. McCance presented a new minimally invasive technique for decompression of the lumbar spine. The technique of distraction laminoplasty is presented. K. Bridwell and colleagues described the surgical treatment of patients with spinal stenosis with fixed sagittal imbalance. Surgical strategies including an algorithm are presented. E. Simmons and E. Simmons discussed surgical treatment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis with associated scoliosis. The authors emphasize decision making and surgical techniques. H. Bassewitz and H. Herkowitz presented the current concepts of surgical treatment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis with associated spondylolisthesis. J. Jane and colleagues described the current recommendations for surgical treatment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis from a neurosurgical point of view. Special emphasis was given to decision making regarding fusion. Considerations were made regarding safe surgical technique. R. Benz and S. Garfin discuss the current techniques and salient factors in surgical decompression of the lumbar spine. D.S. Weiss presented the current techniques of spinal cord and nerve root monitoring during surgical treatment. S. Reeg presented general recommendations for perioperative treatment based on the medical comorbidities, age-related pathophysiologic changes to the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and central nervous systems. T. Faciszewski and colleagues presented important recommendations for cardiac evaluation of patients undergoing elective spinal surgery for symptomatic spinal stenosis. R. Benz and colleagues discussed comorbid factors in predicting complications in elderly patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery. L. St. Louis presented a discussion on the uses of the magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography myelogram in the assessment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. The author focused on the evaluation of failed surgeries, instability, associated spondylolisthesis, associated scoliosis, associated junctional stenosis, and associated osteoporosis. E. Arbit and S. Pannullo provided a brief history, classification, clinical presentation, and pertinent anatomy of lumbar spinal stenosis. Emphasis was given to the etiology, pathologic features, and correlation with where the thecal sac and nerve root impingement occurs. M. Bodack and M. Monteiro described therapeutic exercises in the treatment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Techniques and specific recommendations are made for the conservative treatment of these patients. A. Simotas and colleagues presented clinical results of nonoperative treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis.

The Effect of Straight Leg Raise Exercises after Lumbar Decompression Surgery — A Pilot Study

Summary The purpose of this study was to examine the possible benefits of auto-assisted straight leg raise (SLR) exercises to patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery. A group comparison study comparing a maintenance treatment group with an optimum treatment group was carried out on 12 patients. The SLR exercises were performed by means of a rope and pulley system positioned above the bed. Pain, SLR and disability were assessed during a six-week post-operative period. Results were inconclusive as to whether frequent SLR exercises improved recovery in the short term, but there was some evidence of a relationship between the different outcome measures.