title: Long-term results of percutaneous lumbar decompression for LSS: two-year outcomes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this report was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of mild lumbar decompression for the treatment of neurogenic claudication associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. This technique uses a percutaneous dorsal approach to remove small portions of ligament and lamina, thereby restoring space and decompressing the spinal canal.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two-year data are reported for 45 patients treated with mild decompression at 11 US sites. Outcome measures included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index, and Zurich Claudication Questionnaire. Safety was monitored throughout the procedural and follow-up period for all patients. Interim data are included for these patients at 1 week, 6 months, and 1-year follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy-one percent of patients reported improvement in VAS at the end of the reporting period. At 2 years, patients demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of pain as measured by VAS, and improvement in physical function and mobility was significant as measured by Zurich Claudication Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index. Tukey honestly significant different test found significant improvement in all outcome measures from baseline to each follow-up interval. Further, major improvement occurred by 1-week follow-up and showed no difference between each subsequent follow-up, signifying considerable stability and durability of the initial result over time. No major device or intraprocedural adverse events were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this report of 2-year follow-up on 45 patients treated with mild percutaneous lumbar decompression, patients experienced statistically significant pain relief and improved functionality.
authors: Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH.
authors: Bohdan W
authors: BW
authors: Chopko
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D064232:Visual Analog Scale