Recently we reported that the degree of cauda equina constriction at the most constricted level in the lumbar spine directly was related to typical preoperative symptoms like walking distance, radiating pain but also quality of life. The aim of this study was to relate the degree of preoperative constriction to the results one year postoperatively.
Results: Results: The average CSA for the most constricted lumbar level was 58.0 SD 23 mm2. For those with a CSA <
68 mm2 parameters like walking ability, pain intensity in the leg and back, health related QoL was improved in a statistically significant way. For those with a preoperative CSA >
68 mm2 no signifcant improvement was found one year postoperatively. Conclusion: Subjects operated for central spinal stenosis having a pronounced cauda equina constriction (CSA) also had the best outcome one year postoperatively.