Abstract
Background and Objective Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common degenerative condition that occurs in the
spine with increasing age. Clinically, LSS causes a progressive reduction in walking
autonomy, resulting in a poor quality of life and impaired functional capacity. The
aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome and quality of life of elderly
patients presenting with LSS and associated comorbidities after a 5-year follow-up
who were treated with an interspinous process device (IPD).
Material and Methods Sixty patients > 75 years of age presenting with symptomatic degenerative LSS were
included. All were treated with an IPD under local anesthesia. American Society of
Anesthesiology score, Zurich Claudication Questionnaire, and Short Form 36 were evaluated
pre- and postoperatively and at the follow-up visit each year for 5 years.
Results The mean surgery time while under local anesthesia was 20 minutes. Forty-eight patients
were followed for 5 years. Significant clinical improvements in all outcome scores
(p < 0.05) both postoperatively or at follow-up were found.
Conclusions IPD seems to be an effective and safe treatment for LSS in elderly patients with
general comorbidities. In our study, all followed up patients had a meaningful improvement
of their quality of life even at 5 years after surgery.
Keywords
interspinous device - lumbar stenosis - minimally invasive surgery - elderly patients
- neurogenic claudication
