Authors
Abstract
Background: Spinal stenosis is a common reason for referral to a spine center by adults. Pain and numbness in buttochs and lower limbs after a period of standing or walking are the common complaints. History, supplemented with good physical exam radiography and MRI of spine are the mainstays of diagnosis. Spinal decompression is the final step in treatment, which is not always associated with long term patients’ satisfaction.Methods: 38 patients with mean age of 56 years who had undergone posterior spinal decompression were retrospectively studied. The pre and post operative activity level and their degree of satisfaction were assessed.Results: In a 2-4 year follow-up period, 30 patients were satisfied with their operations, and no surgical complication had been experienced. In 30 patients (79%) back pain had aggravated. 3 folds improvement in standing or walking was reported by 29 cases, and 21 patients (57%) returned to their previous activity level. Conclusions: In short time, spinal decompression can effectively relieve the symptoms, but can not reduce back pain symptoms. Despite higher age range for this surgery, early complication rate is very low.
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