Lumbar spinal stenosis: A case series

Introduction: The term "degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis" describes the narrowing of the spinal canal brought on by degenerative alterations in the ligamentum flavum, intervertebral discs, and spinal joints. Main clinical signs include neurogenic claudication, lower extremity radiating pain, low back discomfort, and impaired urination and defecation may manifest as the area around the neurovascular tissue gets smaller. Increased buttock or lower limb pain that may get worse with prolonged walking or standing (neurogenic intermittent claudication) is one of the clinical signs, along with a decrease in lower extremity tiredness and feeling.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic profile of lumbar spinal stenosis, while conducting a literature review comparing our results with those reported, as well as different therapeutic techniques.

Materials and Methods: In our retrospective study conducted at the Neurosurgery Department of the Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat, we reviewed 120 of patients operated on for lumbar spinal stenosis between January 2011 and October 2022.

Results: The mean age was 55.9 years, ranging from 18 to 77, with a sex ratio of 0.52. Clinical symptoms included low back pain in 94.93% of cases, radiculalgia in 94.93%, intermittent radiculomedullary claudication in 56.96%, and genitosphincter disorders in 13.9%. On examination, motor deficits were observed in 35.44% of cases and sensory deficits in 15.18%. Standard lumbar spine X-rays were performed in 59.49% of patients; lumbar CT was performed in 40.5%, lumbosacral MRI in 89.87%, and a CT/MRI combination in 30.3%. In the absence of neurological deficits, medical treatment was initially administered to 82.27% of patients. All operated patients underwent laminectomy, while 8.86% underwent foraminotomy. The postoperative course was generally favorable, with a positive outcome