Long-term results of partial undercutting facetectomy for lumbar lateral recess stenosis.
METHODS
A retrospective review of 57 consecutive patients who had a partial undercutting facetectomy for degenerative lumbar lateral recess stenosis between 1983 and 1988.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term results of this procedure.


BACKGROUND
Few studies have been published on the long-term outcome of decompression for lumbar stenosis. Most studies have included central as well as lateral recess stenosis and have not differentiated between the two. Furthermore, no study has looked at the long-term results of partial undercutting facetectomy.


METHODS
All patients were assessed by standard questionnaire, clinical examination, and radiography by an independent observer. The minimum follow-up period was 5 years (mean, 8.4 years).


RESULTS
Overall, 72% had no leg pain, 16% had some leg pain needing occasional analgesia, and 12% had severe leg pain needing continual analgesia.


CONCLUSIONS
The long-term results of partial undercutting facetectomy are very satisfying.
Sanderson
P L
PL
Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Getty
C J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome