A new study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine examines minimally invasive laminectomy for lumbar spinal stenosis patients, comparing those with preoperative spondylolisthesis to those without.
There were 110 patients included in the study, undergoing minimally invasive tubular laminectomy between 2004 and 2011. There were 52.5 percent who had spondylolisthesis at the level of stenosis. Follow-up was 28.8 months on average.
Here are five findings from the study:
1. The median improvement rate was 16 percent on the ODI compared with the preoperative baseline.
2. The VAS back score improved 2.75 on average; the VAS leg score improved three on average compared with the preoperative baseline.
3. Reoperation rates requiring fusion at the same level was 3.5 percent.
4. There wasn't a significant difference in the clinical outcomes or reoperation rates for patients with or without preoperative spondylolisthesis.
5. The researchers concluded, "This procedure can be an alternative to open laminectomy. Routine fusion may not be indicated in all patients with LSS and spondylolisthesis."