Recurrence of lumbar canal stenosis a decade after decompressive laminectomy

Lumbar canal stenosis is treated by decompressive laminectomy with a high rate of success, but patients may experience late recurrence of pain. We report on 3 patients with return of symptoms years after their original decompression. CT scanning showed reformation by bone; their symptoms were relieved by decompression. While scarring is probably a more common cause of the return of pain, this reformation of bone can be more easily treated than scar formation and its presence should be sought by CT scanning.