Developmental narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar region

Developmental narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar region is one of the most controversial subjects from the point of view of the significance of the neurological syndrome, the value of spondylometric assessment and methods of treatment. Among 1,196 patients operated on in our neurosurgical centre during the last 18 years because of symptomatic sciatica the authors diagnosed developmental narrowing of the spinal canal in 29 cases (2.4%). The diagnosis was made mainly on routine X-ray plates, functional X-rays, X-ray contrast examination and tomograms with indicator of known size placed at the level of the spinal canal. Among operative methods we used laminectomy and fenestration. The choice of a suitable method for a given case depended mainly on the condition during operation but the extent of the operation depended on myelography. The results of treatment during a 10 years following-up were assessed as satisfactory.