Spine update - Surgical management of lumbar spinal stenosis

Lumbar stenosis includes various forms of constriction of the spinal canal or the intervertebral foramen. Stenosis may be present in isolation, with o r without a disc bulge or herniation, or can be associated with degenerativ e spondylolisthesis or degenerative scoliosis. This article analyzes the in dication for surgery and the methods and outcomes of operative treatment in central, lateral, and foraminal stenosis either isolated or associated wit h other conditions. The factors that most affect outcome are correct indica tions for surgery and adequate technique. At present, 70-80% of patients ha ve a satisfactory result from surgery, but the outcome tends to deteriorate in the long term.