Lumbar Stabilization with Interspinous Process Devices for Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis

This study reports the treatment outcomes of patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis who underwent lumbar stabilization surgery and evaluates the radiological effects of the surgery at least 1 year post-surgery. Forty consecutive patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis underwent lumbar stabilization surgery using a titanium alloy interspinous spacer between August 2021 and October 2023. The cohort included 19 males and females, respectively, with a mean age of 75.2 years. The surgical level was L1 in 20 patients and L2 in 18 patients. Patients were operated using general anesthesia in 20 patients and local anesthesia in 18. We evaluated their surgical outcomes using the numerical rating scale for pain, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, and the Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, before surgery and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Radiological effects were also evaluated. All outcomes for the patient showed significant improvement at 6- and 12-months post-surgery. There was no significant change in the area of the dural sac before and after surgery; but the surgical level angle markedly decreased in both neutral and extended positions. Two patients underwent additional treatment post-surgery. This method does not require the removal of the lamina and yellow ligament, does not expose the nerves, and surgery can be performed without suspending antithrombotic drugs. It can also be performed under local anesthesia for patients at high risk for general anesthesia. However, general anesthesia is preferable as local anesthesia may lead to discomfort during surgery.