Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Four Years Follow-Up after Interspinous Decompression Approach

Bachground: Lumbar spinal stenosis remains the most common indication for spinal surgery in elderly patients. This study to evaluate the effectiveness of decompression for the lumbar spinal stenosis by modified interspinous approach. Patients and Methods: Our study enrolled the patients considered for decompression surgery from October 2007 toSeptember 2010. Preoperatively for all patients we did plainstatic X-rays of lumbar spine, dynamic flexion and extension of lumbar spine. The outcome was assessed according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to evaluate pain intensity (low back pain and leg pain), subjective disability was determined by using the standardized Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, the postoperative improvement in walking capacity and global activity were rated on a 5-point scale, and the satisfaction of the patients was assessed by self-rating scale.Results: Out of 42 patients for a period of four years post operatively, there were 28 men and 14 women, with a mean age of 48 years the postoperative mean ODI was 20.23% ± 12.32% minimal disability, the mean postoperative back pain using the VAS, it was 2.86±2.13, in relation to leg pain was with 2.13± 1.86 points postoperatively. Global activity and walking capacity became in (83.18%) of cases much better with the 5-point scale score, (81%) of the patients very satisfied by using the self-rating satisfaction scale. Statistical analyzed for ODI, VAS was statistically significant ( p 0.001), whereas tests are significant at (p 0.05).Conclusion: Interspinous approach for lumbar spine decompression can be done in centers where the recent technique are not available and in some cases where the minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy may not be the best option for surgical treatment. With these favorable results with interspinous decompression surgery, making this technique worth adding to a surgeon s repertoire.