title: Comparative effectiveness of microdecompression and laminectomy for central lumbar spinal stenosis: study protocol for an observational study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This observational study is designed to test the equivalence between the clinical effectiveness of microdecompression and laminectomy in the surgical treatment of central lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar spinal stenosis is the most frequent indication for spinal surgery in the elderly, and as the oldest segment of the population continues to grow its prevalence is likely to increase. However, data on surgical outcomes are limited. Open or wide decompressive laminectomy, often combined with medial facetectomy and foraminotomy, was formerly the standard treatment. In recent years a growing tendency towards less invasive decompressive procedures has emerged. At present, many spine surgeons perform microdecompression for central lumbar spinal stenosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospectively registered treatment and outcome data are obtained from the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery. The primary outcome measure is change in Oswestry disability index between baseline and 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcome measures are changes in health-related quality of life measured by the Euro-Qol-5D between baseline and 12-month follow-up, perioperative complications, and duration of surgical procedures and length of hospital stay.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The study has been evaluated and approved by the regional committee for medical research in central Norway and all participants provided written informed consent. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02006901).
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Ulf S
authors.initials: US
authors.lastname: Nerland
authors.forename: Asgeir S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Jakola
authors.forename: Ole
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Solheim
authors.forename: Clemens
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Vidar
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Greger
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lønne
authors.forename: Tore K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Solberg
authors.forename: Oyvind
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Salvesen
authors.forename: Sven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Carlsen
authors.forename: Oystein P
authors.initials: OP
authors.lastname: Nygaard
authors.forename: Sasha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gulati
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D009664:Norway; D061646:Operative Time; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011788:Quality of Life; D012042:Registries; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Neurosurgery