Spinal Stenosis Treatments
Spinal Stenosis Surgical Procedures
Surgery is currently the only treatment designed and proven to provide long term relief from lumbar spinal stenosis. It is normally recommended only after conservative treatments fail. There are several different operations that can be performed in order to correct LSS. A neurosurgeon determines which operation, or combination of operations, is most effective for a specific patient by reviewing test results, medical history, and examinations.Surgery is only recommended when the patient meets the following conditions:
- There is weakness or numbness in the legs.
- It is difficult to walk or stand.
- Medication and physical therapy are ineffective.
- The patient is in reasonably good health.
- Leg pain limits normal activity, lowering quality of life.
Surgical options include the following:
Spinal Stenosis Spinal Fusion Abstract
The following article is a study done on the success rates of fusions for spinal stenosis in older patients. Spinal Fusion Abstract
MSNBC published this article titled "Uneeded, riskier spinal fusions on the rise" which summarizes the fusion surgery abstract previously mentioned. Acrobat viewer is needed to open either file.
