Examination findings and self-reported walking capacity in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

Citation
Md. Iverson et Jn. Katz, Examination findings and self-reported walking capacity in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, PHYS THER, 81(7), 2001, pp. 1296-1306
Citations number
50
Categorie Soggetti
Ortopedics, Rehabilitation & Sport Medicine
Journal title
PHYSICAL THERAPY
ISSN journal
00319023 → ACNP
Volume
81
Issue
7
Year of publication
2001
Pages
1296 - 1306
Database
ISI
SICI code
0031-9023(200107)81:7<1296:EFASWC>2.0.ZU;2-O
Abstract
Background and Purpose. Spinal stenosis is a common, often disabling, condi tion resulting from compression of tile cauda equina and nerve roots. This study was designed to: (1) characterize tile impairments of patients with l umbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and (2) to identify predictors of self-reported walking capacity. Subjects. Forty-three patients with symptomatic LSS, fro m 3 specialty clinics, were evaluated. Twenty-eight subjects (65%) were fem ale. The subjects' median age was 73.6 years ((X) over bar =72.4, SD=10.3, range=45.7-90.7), and the median duration of low back pain was 24 months (( X) over bar =36.6, SD=41.6, range=0-216). Methods. Demographic data, medica l history, and information about low back pain and symptoms (eg, numbness, tingling, and lower-extremity weakness) were collected using a standardized questionnaire and physical examination. Results. Twenty-two subjects (51%) had lower-extremity weakness, primarily of the extensor hallucis longus mu scle. Thirty-five subjects (81%) had absent or decreased neurosensory respo nses (eg, pinprick, vibration, reflexes), and 28 subjects (66%) reported th at they were unable to walk farther than 2 blocks. Women were more likely t han men to report difficulties walking, as were subjects with abnormal Romb erg test scores and those with greater pain during walking. Discussion and Conclusion. Pain and balance problems appeared to be the primary factors li miting ambulation in our subjects with LSS.