Spinal Stenosis: Review of 40 Cases

Chung, Yung Khee; Park, Won Chang; Chang, Ik Yull; Kim, Sung Wan

Abstract

Spinal stenosis is defined as any type of narrowing of the main spinal canal, nerve canal or foramina caused by bony or sourrounding soft tissues. Its pressure symptoms are characterized by ill localized back pain, and usually bilateral chronic sciatica. During the past 80 years, the knowledge subjected to the spinal stenosis has been inproved but still many problems are remaining to be solved. Recently, the diagnosis and treatment of spinal stenosis have been facilitated due to introduction of computerized tomographic scanning apparatus. During the period of 3 years, from May 1979 to March 1982, we experienced 40 cases of spinal stenosis at Han Gang Sacred Heart Hospital and Gang Nam Sacred Heart Hospital. In study of this 40 cases clinical and radiological evaluation were made and obtained following result (25 cases of which were operated on). 1. The most common type was degenerative one (50%) 2. There were 16 males and 24 females (4:5) 3. The age distribution showed a peak incidence is the third decade (25%) 4. The most common chief complaint on admission was ill localized chronic sciatica (50%) 5. Decompressive surgery was carried on 25 cases such as; Laminectomy only (8%), Posterolateral fusion (20%), Both Laniinectomy and posterolateral fusion (72%) 6. The longest follow-up was 3 years and the shortest one was 4 months and the average was one year and four months. The outcome of follow-up were; excellent (52%), good (40%), fair (8%), poor (0%).