Effect analysis of treating patients with lumbar spinal stenosis by limited vertebral canal decompression

Objective:To assess efficacy of limited vertebral canal decompression in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.Methods:From January 2005 to December 2008 in orthopedics department, 26 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis consisted of 17 males and 9 females,ranging from 45 to 74 years of age,were retrospectly analyzed. Among them,unilateral fenestration decompression was performed in 8 cases, bilateral fenestration decompression was performed in 11 cases, unilateral laminectomy was performed in 3 cases and bilateral laminectomy was performed in 4 cases. Moreover,nerve roots canal were expanded in 21 cases and corresponding intervertebral disc excision in all. Results:Following-up 27 to 77 months after the operation,waist and leg pain were not relieved in 4 cases and chronic low back pain patients were defined for 12 months after operation.There were 7 patients with leg pain and numbness of lower limbs for 24 months after operation who need to be treated, including 1 case of unilateral fenestration decompression,2 cases of bilateral fenestration decompression,1 case of unilateral laminectomy and 3 cases of bilateral laminectomy. There were 3 patients who need to be received reoperation,including 1 case of unilateral fenestration decompression and 2 cases of bilateral fenestration decompression. Conclusion: This study suggests that the method of treaing patients with lumbar spinal stenosis by limited vertebral canal decompression can provide a beneficial effect,but indications should be strictly regulated.The main reasons for chronic low back pain after operation may be incomplete decompression and lumbar instability after operation.