Asian Spine J.  2015 Oct;9(5):818-828. 10.4184/asj.2015.9.5.818.

Lumbar Stenosis: A Recent Update by Review of Literature

• Lee SY
• Kim TH
• Oh JK
• Lee SJ
• Park MS

• KMID: 2148381
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2015.9.5.818

Abstract

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc results in initial relative instability, hypermobility, and hypertrophy of the facet joints, particularly at the superior articular process. This finally leads to a reduction of the spinal canal dimensions and compression of the neural elements, which can result in neurogenic intermittent claudication caused by venous congestion and arterial hypertension around nerve roots. Most patients with symptomatic lumbar stenosis had neurogenic intermittent claudication with the risk of a fall. However, although the physical findings and clinical symptoms in lumbar stenosis are not acute, the radiographic findings are comparatively severe. Magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive and good method for evaluation of lumbar stenosis. Though there are very few studies pertaining to the natural progression of lumbar spinal stenosis, symptoms of spinal stenosis usually respond favorably to non-operative management. In patients who fail to respond to non-operative management, surgical treatments such as decompression or decompression with spinal fusion are required. Restoration of a normal pelvic tilt after lumbar fusion correlates to a good clinical outcome.

Keyword

Lumbar spine; Spinal stenosis

MeSH Terms

Constriction, Pathologic*
Decompression
Humans
Hyperemia
Hypertension
Hypertrophy
Intermittent Claudication
Intervertebral Disc
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Spinal Canal
Spinal Fusion
Spinal Stenosis
Zygapophyseal Joint