Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: results of operative treatment

The results of decompressive laminectomy in 22 patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis are reported. The average follow-up period was 29 months. Twelve of the 15 patients with marked stenosis (a minimum anteroposterior (a.p.) diameter of the spinal canal in extension of 10 mm or less) and all 7 patients with moderate stenosis (a minimum a.p. diameter between 11--14 mm) obtained relief from leg pain. A pseudovascular syndrome was observed in 12 of the 15 patients with marked and in 2 of the 7 patients with moderate spinal stenosis. Of these patients, 10 obtained increased (7 patients unlimited) walking distance postoperative. Vertebral fusion was not performed in any of the patients. Slight vertebral slip (2--5 mm) occurred postoperatively in 4 out of 20 patients whose follow-up examination included dynamic roentgenogram of the spine. Five of the 15 patients with marked spinal stenosis also suffered from severe osteoarthritis of the hip. Total hip replacement subsequent to laminectomy was performed in 4 patients and excellent results were achieved for both the spinal and the hip operations.