Posterior Decompression With Fusion For Treating Multilevel Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of the multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis by wide posterior spinal canal decompression and fusion using a transpedicular instrumentation system and bone grafts.Methods:From March 2004 to March 2007,48 patients suffering from multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis were included in a retrospective clinical study,include 26 male and 22 female,aged from 44 years to 75 years,with an average of 63 years.Two levels stenosis(40cases),including L_3-5(13cases),L₄S₁(27cases).Three levels stenosis(8cases), all were L₃S₁.Plain radiographs,MRI and/or CT myelograms were obtained preoperatively.The patients were assessed clinically with Oswestry disability index(ODI) and Prolo lumbar post-operative function evaluation standard.Surgical procedure included wide posterior decompression and fusion using a transpedicular instrumentation system and bone grafts.Result:The mean follow-up time was 2.1 years,and the patients' clinical improvement by ODI,Prolo was statistically significant.Conclusion:The way of wide posterior spinal canal decompression and fusion using a transpedicular instrumentation system and bone grafts is an efficacious method to multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis,which appears to be effectively decompressing, improving nerve functional status and restoring lordosis with high fusion rate.