Review of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery Options

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Lumbar spinal stenosis is a relatively common problem among people in the over 65 age group. The typical symptom is increased pain in the legs with walking (pseudoclaudication), which can markedly diminish one's activity level. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis are typically comfortable at rest but cannot walk far without developing leg pain. Pain relief is achieved, sometimes almost immediately, when they sit down again.

For most people, symptoms of lumbar stenosis will typically fluctuate, with some periods of more severe symptoms and some with fewer or none, but symptoms are not always progressive over time. For each person, the severity and duration of lumbar stenosis symptoms is different and often dictates whether conservative (non-surgical) treatment or lumbar stenosis surgery is more suitable.

When to Consider Lumbar Stenosis Surgery

Surgery for spinal stenosis should only be considered if a patient's ability to participate in everyday activities is unacceptably reduced, and a concerted effort through nonoperative means has been unproductive.

For those considering lumbar spinal stenosis surgery, this article covers:

• Lumbar laminectomy, the standard of care
• Alternatives to laminectomy.

For most patients, lumbar spinal stenosis surgery is mostly a lifestyle choice. For example:

• If patients have had to give up a lot of activities, they may want to consider lumbar spinal stenosis surgery
• If patients are still functioning reasonably well, there is no need to take the risk of lumbar stenosis surgery.

Also, for the most part, there is no window of opportunity that a patient will miss if they wait on the lumbar spinal stenosis surgery . Generally, stenosis surgery later will work as well as more immediate surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.

• Article written By:
• Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD

March 5, 2009

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