title: An open study of pamidronate in the treatment of refractory degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.
abstract: Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, manifesting as chronic low back pain and neurogenic claudication, is an increasing chronic problem in an aging population, with limited effective conservative treatment options. Based on previous reports on the utility of subcutaneous calcitonin and two anectodal cases, we launched an open therapeutic trial of IV monthly pamidronate infusions, over a course of 3-6 months in this condition. Of 24 patients, 75% reported pain improvement, with the mean VAS score improved by 40%; while composite functional improvement in walking time, activities of daily living, and sense of well being was reported by 66%, with a mean improvement of 50%. The results of this pilot trial suggest the usefulness of this modality and warrant examination in a controlled clinical trial.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, P.O. Box 4940, Haifa, 31048, Israel.
authors.forename: Joy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Feld
authors.forename: Itzhak
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rosner
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Avshovich
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Boulman
authors.forename: Gleb
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Slobodin
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rozenbaum
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077268:Pamidronate; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D000077268:Pamidronate