The role of distraction in improving the space available in the lumbar stenotic canal and foramen.
METHODS
The terminal event in disc space narrowing and facet subluxation of the lumbar spine can produce clinical symptoms of spinal stenosis. Reversal of this process via distraction was performed on ten cadaveric motion segments with documented stenosis.


METHODS
Computerized tomography and caliperic methods for the measurement of canal and foraminal areas were calculated in each segment after 5 and 10 mm of symmetrical distraction. Measurements were done in a blinded manner verified with orthographic software and statistical analysis.


RESULTS
Decompression of foraminal space was statistically significant in 7 of 10 cadaveric specimens after 5 mm of distraction and 9 of 10 specimens after 10 mm of distraction. Minimal yet insignificant improvement in stenotic canal area was evident with distraction.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of posterior vertebral osteophytes was associated uniformly with poor improvement of space available in both stenotic canal and foramen.
Schlegel
J D
JD
Division of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City.
Champine
J
J
Taylor
M S
MS
Watson
J T
JT
Champine
M
M
Schleusener
R L
RL
Savory
K M
KM
D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed