European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

RESULTS OF SURGICAL DECOMPRESSION IN DEGENERATIVE LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS AT 6 MONTHS FOLLOW UP

*Dr. Mukund N. Dhaniwala, Dr. Kiran M. Saoji, Dr. Sanjay V. Deshpande and Dr. Nareshkumar S. Dhaniwala

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal with encroachment on the neural structures by surrounding bone and soft tissue. Patients typically present with radicular leg pain or with neurogenic claudication. Surgical management is being performed with increasing frequency, but information about its efficacy is sparse and debatable. Aim: To evaluate results of surgical decompression in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Material and Methods: 52 patients with symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis who had failed to improve after conservative treatment of at least 12 weeks were enrolled in the study. Surgical decompression was done in all cases. Decompression was combined with fusion in cases where preoperative or intra operative instability was present. Preoperative history taking, clinical and radiological examination with x ray and MRI of lumbar spine were done. The functional status of patients was assessed using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively and at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results were assessed on the basis of change in the Oswestry Disability index at 6 months of follow up. Results: Mean age was 50.21 years (30 to 70 years). There was male preponderance. Mean duration of symptoms was 11.25 months. 55.7% patients had neurological deficit on presentation. Posterior decompression was done in 100% patients. Mean ODI score had decreased from of 64.47% in preoperative period to 29.43% at 6 months after surgery (p<0.05). There was significant improvement in the clinical and functional status of patients after surgery at 6 months follow up. Conclusion: Surgical decompression leads to significant improvement in clinical and functional status of patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.

Keywords: Lumbar spinal stenosis, surgery, decompression, Oswestry disability index, outcome.