An Interspinous Process Distractor (X STOP) for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is often a position-dependent condition that is aggravated in extension and relieved in flexion. METHODS: Ten consecutive elderly patients with LSS were assessed postoperatively by magnetic resonance imaging and the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire. Cross-sectional areas of the dural sac and intervertebral foramina at the stenotic level were measured postoperatively and compared with the preoperative values. RESULTS: Postoperatively the cross-sectional area of the dural sac increased 16.6 mm2 or 22.3% and intervertebral foramina increased 22 mm2 or 36.5%. The intervertebral angle and the posterior disc height changed significantly. Seventy percent of the patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome. CONCLUSION: This new surgical method is effective in elderly LSS patients.