Title of article :
Treatment of 44 Cases With Lumbar Spine Stenosis and Degenerative Instability: Outcomes of Surgical Intervention
Author/Authors :
Farrokhi, Majid Reza Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , Yadollahikhales, Golnaz Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , Gholami, Mehrnaz Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract :
Background and Aim: Degenerative lumbar spine disease can lead to lumbar spine instability. The
patients can present with Low Back Pain (LBP), radicular pain, and motor and sensory dysfunction.
Age >50, female sex and pregnancies are among prevalent risk factors. The degeneration process
usually starts from the intervertebral discs progressing to involve facet joints, ligaments, and
vertebral bodies leading to spinal instability and deformity. This study aims to evaluate the effect
of lumbar decompression and Posterolateral Fusion (PLF) on the short- and long-term outcomes
of these patients.
Methods and Materials/Patients: This prospective study assessed the effect of lumbar
decompression and PLF in patients with lumbar instability referred to the Neurosurgery Clinic of
Chamran hospital between March 2011 and March 2013. Forty-four patients with degenerative
lumbar spine instability and stenosis were eligible for participation to undergo lumbar
decompression and PLF. Its clinical effect was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score
and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The change in sagittal and coronal planes was also assessed
according to pre- and post-operative findings at 2-year follow-up. The statistical method of
assessment was repeated using paired t-test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean preoperative VAS score decreased significantly at 2 years after the surgery
(6.87±1.07 vs. 2.20±1.15; P<0.001). The comparison between preoperative ODI and its 6-month,
1 and 2-year counterparts showed a significant improvement (P<0.001). Moreover, 82.7% of the
patients showed a good fusion rate. The sagittal and coronal angles were reduced significantly
after the surgery (P<0.05). Short vs. long segment fusion and inclusion of sacral body did not
significantly affect the VAS, ODI scores and the deformity angles.
Conclusion: Lumbar decompression and PLF is a safe and effective method for patients suffering
from degenerative lumbar instability.
Keywords :
Lumbar spine stenosis , Degenerative instability , Posterior lumbar fusion , Visual Analogue Scale , Oswestry Disability Index
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics
