SURGICAL TREATMENT OF LUMBER SPINAL STENOSIS

The results of decompression by fenestration restricted to the clinically relevant level and side in 50 cases of spinal stenosis are presented. Forty two patients underwent unilateral and 37 single level procedures. The mean follow up time was 32 months. Patients assessment of outcome was: 32% excellent, 28%good, 28% fair, 4% marginal and 8% poor. This is comparable to published series. Two patients developed contralateral leg symptoms during the study. MR I showed neither case to be due to progressive stenosis. It is proposed that fenestration type surgery restricted to the clinically relevant level and side provides adequate spinal decompression whilst minimizing the extent of surgical intervention.