Interlaminar fenestration in lumbar canal stenosis- a retrospective study

Background: Degenerative lumbar canal stenosis is a multifaceted problem presenting as backache and neurological claudication. Methods: In fifteen patients of acquired degenerative lumbar canal stenosis multi level interlaminar fenestration with discectomy, if required, was carried out. Retrospective analysis was done to assess the out come by assessing the relief in backache and neurological claudication. Results: The mean age of patients was 50.4 years and average duration of neurological claudication was nine months. Diagnosis of the degenerative lumbar canal stenosis was made by clinical examination and confirmed by radiological and MRI measurement of cross section area of neural canal. Interlaminar fenestration was done at four levels and three levels in six patients each while it was done at two levels in remaining three patients. None of the patients reported immediate or late onset of backache or restriction of spinal movements, indicating spinal in stability. None of the patients had neurological claudication in the postoperative period. Conclusion: Retrospective analysis suggests that multiple interlaminar fenestrations done in moderate spinal stenosis provides adequate neurological decompression besides maintaining spinal stability.