Lumbar stenosis: analysis of factors affecting outcome in 81 surgical cases

The authors report on a retrospective analysis of 81 patients undergoing laminectomy for the clinico-radiological diagnosis of lumbar stenosis. One hundred and eighty-five variables were considered and a computer system was used in their evaluation. The most frequent site of involvement was at L4-5. Follow-up time ranged from 3 months to 12 years. 95% good results were obtained, and the re-operation rate was 7%. The complication rate was 11%. There was no mortality. No significant correlation between factors investigated and the outcome was found. This is in contrast to our series of lumbosacral disc protrusions in which factors such as duration of symptoms and the presence of compensation indicated a poor outcome. Results are compared with other series.