Decompression is the gold standard surgical technique in patients with symptomatic spinal stenosis not responding to conservative management. We present an audit of outcomes in a population of patients undergoing this procedure over a four year period. All patients undergoing lumbar decompression were assessed preoperatively and between 4 and 12 months postoperatively using the Oswestry Disabilty Index (ODI %), pain scale (0–10) and patient satisfaction. The patient's age, the number of levels decompressed and the incidence of complications were recorded.Introduction
Method
Lumbar spinal pain can be a consequence of discogenic pain. After failure of conservative management, lumbar fusions are popular and considered the gold standard. However, these techniques are associated with significant morbidity. A percutaneous trans-sacral technique may address these for L4/L5 and/or L5/S1 alone spinal fusions. Our unit has adopted this technique and presents our initial experience of 51 patients and preliminary results. Patients with a confirmed clinical and radiological evidence of degenerate intervertebral disc with or without prior surgical intervention were selected. Patients with a history of pelvic surgery/radiotherapy were excluded. Data was collected prospectively using the Global Patient Outcome Scoring System and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores at clinical follow-up.Introduction
Method
