Evaluation of wide interlaminar fenestration surgery in degenerative lumbar canal stenosis

Abstract

Background: With the increasing longevity of population and a continually climbing proportion of middle-aged and elderly persons, the problem of lumbosacral spine is a significant health care issue, causing backache and Neurogenic claudication. Methods: Thirty patients with degenerative lumbar canal stenosis were included in study and wide interlaminar fenestration with or without discectomy was carried out. Patients were followed and analysis of the outcome was done for improvement in pain, neurological improvement and improvement in claudication distance. Results: Diagnosis of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis were made by clinical examination and confirmed by measuring neural canal diameter in MRI. Patients were selected randomly and total 30 patients included in study with mean age of 45.9 year and with mean duration of symptom was 38.67 months. Wide interlaminar fenestration was done at two level (L4-5, L5-S1) in 9 patients and at one level in remaining 21 patients (L4-L5 in 12 and L5-S1 in 9).All the patients improved in terms of back pain, sensory and motor symptoms including neurogenic claudication. Conclusion: At the end of our study we find that Wide Interlaminar fenestration done in degenerative lumbar canal stenosis provides not only full resolution of neurological symptom but also maintains spinal stability at the same time.