Abstract
Background:
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is often a position-dependent condition that is aggravated in extension and relieved in flexion.
Methods:
Ten consecutive elderly patients with LSS were assessed postoperatively by magnetic resonance imaging and the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire. Cross-sectional areas of the dural sac and intervertebral foramina at the stenotic level were measured postoperatively and compared with the preoperative values.
Results:
Postoperatively the cross-sectional area of the dural sac increased 16.6 mm2 or 22.3% and intervertebral foramina increased 22 mm2 or 36.5%. The intervertebral angle and the posterior disc height changed significantly. Seventy percent of the patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome.
Conclusion:
This new surgical method is effective in elderly LSS patients.
MeSH terms
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Age Factors
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Aged
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Dura Mater / anatomy & histology
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Dura Mater / surgery
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Female
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Humans
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Internal Fixators / standards*
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Internal Fixators / trends*
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Intraoperative Complications / etiology
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Intraoperative Complications / prevention & control
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Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology
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Lumbar Vertebrae / physiopathology
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Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Orthopedic Procedures / instrumentation*
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Orthopedic Procedures / methods*
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Pain Measurement
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Postoperative Complications / etiology
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Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
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Prospective Studies
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Spinal Canal / anatomy & histology
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Spinal Canal / surgery
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Spinal Nerve Roots / anatomy & histology
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Spinal Nerve Roots / surgery
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Spinal Stenosis / pathology
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Spinal Stenosis / physiopathology
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Spinal Stenosis / surgery*
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Surveys and Questionnaires
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Traction / instrumentation*
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Traction / methods*
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Treatment Outcome