Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 1996 , Vol 6 , Num 2
LATERAL SPINAL STENOSIS
Varol AYDIN, Ahmet ERDOĞAN
Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Nöroşirürji Anabilim Dalı, Ankara Lateral spinal stenosis is caused by narrowing of lateral recesses and the area of the intervertebral foramina due to structural changes in the bone or connective tissue. Because of compression of spinal root symptoms and signs are similar to those in disc herniations. Twenty-eight patients who were operated for lateral spinal stenosis between 1991 and 1995 are evaluated retrospectively. Postoperative mean follow-up period of the patients is 1.2 year. Pain relief was achieved in the early postoperative period in 19 patients, whereas in the late postoperative period in 23 patients. None of the patients had motor loss or any other complication in the postoperative period. The patients who had persistent pain after the operation had a 3 year symptomatic period preoperatively. Patients who have evident lateral spinal stenosis can lead an asymptomatic and comfortable life with early decompression. Anahtar Kelimeler : Laminectomy, lateral recess, spinal stenosis