Surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis - Five-year follow-up

We carried out a retrospective review of 155 patients with lumbar spinal st enosis who had been treated surgically and followed up regularly: 77 were e valuated at a mean of 6.5 years (5 to 8) after surgery by two independent o bservers. The outcome was assessed using the scoring system of Roland and M orris, and the rating system of Prolo, Oklund and Butcher. Instability was determined according to the criteria described by White and Panjabi. A significant decrease in low back pain and disability was seen. An excelle nt or good outcome was noted in 79% of patients; 9% showed secondary radiol ogical instability. Surgical decompression is a safe and efficient procedure. In the absence of preoperative radiological evidence of instability, fusion is not required.