J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  1998 Nov;5(2):272-277.

Results of Decompression and Internal Fixation for Spinal Stenosis more than 5 year Follow up

• Shin BJ
• Lee JJ

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-four cases of surgically treated spinal stenosis which were followed up for more than 5 yeras were analysed.
OBJECTIVES
To know the relationship between long-term clinical results and various clinical factors. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Pedicle screw fixation is a common procedure after wide decompression for spinal stenosis. But, there is few report showing its long-term result.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We evaluated the long term results of surgically treated spinal stenosis patients according to the sex, method of fusion, level of fusion, radiologic change of adjacent level, hardware problem and complication. There were 11 males and 23 females. Average age was 53.2 years(range 34-68 years). Radiographically follow up was averaged 72 months(range 60-104 months). Clinically follow up period was averaged 76 months(range 60-113 months). Eight patients were operated with PLIF and 26 patients were with posterolateral fusion. One level surgery was done in 18 patient and more than two level in 16 patients.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven patients(79%) showed satisfactory result at 2year and 5 year follow-up. Two patients showed change of clinical result during follow-up. Clinical result was much better in monosegmental surgery and in male sex. Six patients showed narrowing of disc space at non-surgery level and 2 patients had compression fracture. Complications were 1 deep infection, 2 dural tears, 9 donor site pain, 2 metal failures and 1 metal pull-out.
CONCLUSIONS
We concluded that there is no significant change of clinical results between two year follow-up and five year follow-up. Clinical complications and metal problems are not related with the unsatisfactory results. Multiple level surgery and female sex are two variables related with the unsatisfactory clinical outcome.

MeSH Terms

Decompression*
Female
Follow-Up Studies*
Fractures, Compression
Humans
Male
Spinal Stenosis*
Tissue Donors