Long term follow up in lumbar spinal stenosis

In a retrospective study the charts of 72 patients who had decompressive surgery for lumbar stenosis between 1987 and 1990 were evaluated. Mean first follow up was 2.5 years (range 1.5 years to 3.5 years). A second follow up was done 8 years after surgery via mail. The mean age was 59.7 years (females 63.7, males 55 years). The average interval between the onset of complaints to surgery was 6 years. Claudicatio intermittens was found in 34.7% of cases. Patients were divided into four groups according to the classification by Arnoldi from 1976. Laminectomy or hemilaminectomy was performed in 73.6% of cases. In 68.1% nucleotomy was performed. In the first follow up outcome of patients was good in 73.6%. Complete recovery was noted in 61.1%. 11% were not satisfied with operative results. Old patients especially benefitted from the operation. In the second follow up after 8 years only 62.1% of the patients mentioned that their results were unchanged, good or better than at the first evaluation. The other 37.9% complained of a poorer result.