Sublaminar Decompression and Fusion in the Management of Stenotic Lumbar Degenerative Disorders

Background Data: Lumbar degenerative disorders may result in low back pain, leg pain and limitation of walking distance that can disturb the patients’ life. Several surgical procedures have been used to treat spinal canal stenosis ranging from minimal invasive to extensive decompression and fusion. However, recurrence of symptoms or instability may occur postoperatively. Purpose: To evaluate efficacy and safety of sublaminar decompression and fusion in the management of lumbar degenerative disorders. Study Design: Prospective clinical case study. Patients and Methods: Twenty patients including; 7 central canal stenosis, 5 degenerative disc disease, 4 foraminal and central stenosis, and 4 central stenosis and spondylolisthesis patients were enrolled in this study. All were treated with sublaminar decompression and fusion. Pre- and post-operative clinical evaluation included Visual Analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Pre- and post-operative measurement of anteroposterior thecal diameter, thecal cross-sectional area, right and left foraminal height were obtained using MRI and CT-scan. The mean follow up duration was 13.85±8.30 (Range, 8-33) months. Results: VAS of leg pain improved from 7.3±1.4 to 2.4±0.9, VAS of the back pain improved from 7.4±0.9 to 2.3±0.5. ODI improved from 76±7.5 to 29.5±8.3. Anteroposterior thecal diameter changed from 10.4±1.4 mm to 14.1±1.1mm. Thecal sac cross sectional area improved from 134.2±19.6 mm2 to 184±20.4 mm2. Right foraminal height changed from 4.4±0.5 mm to 5.4±0.5 mm and left foraminal height changed from 4.2±0.5 mm to 5.2±0.5 mm. The mean time to achieve bone fusion in our series was 8.1 months and the fusion rate was 95%. Conclusion: Sublaminar decompression and fusion is safe and effective procedure in treatment of stenotic degenerative spinal disorders. It achieves high fusion rate without serious complications. (2018ESJ166