Influence of X Stop on neural foramina and spinal canal area in spinal stenosis.
METHODS
Measurements of cross sections of exit foramen and spinal canal were performed before and after placement of X Stop in physiologic postures using positional MR scanner at the stenosed level in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.


OBJECTIVE
To quantify the effect of the implant in vivo on the lumbar spine at the instrumented levels in various postures.


BACKGROUND
Dimensions of the spinal canal and neural foramen decrease from flexion to extension. Symptoms of spinal stenosis occur typically in standing or extension. The X Stop device is designed to distract the posterior elements of the stenotic segment and place it in flexion to treat neurogenic claudication. We think that the device will improve the dimension of the canal in standing and extension.


METHODS
Twenty-six patients with lumbar spine stenosis underwent a one- or two-level X Stop procedure. All had preoperative and postoperative positional MRI in standing, supine, and sitting flexion and extension. Measurements were carried out on the images acquired.


RESULTS
Significant increase in the dimensions of the neural foramen and canal area were demonstrated after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The X Stop device improves the degree of central and foraminal stenosis in vivo.
Siddiqui
Manal
M
Department of Orthopaedics, Woodend Hospital, Eday Road, Aberdeen, Scotland AB15 6XS U.K. manalsiddiquis@yahoo.co.uk
Karadimas
Efthimios
E
Nicol
Malcolm
M
Smith
Francis W
FW
Wardlaw
Douglas
D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*