A Prospective and Consecutive Study of Surgically Treated Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Abstract

Pain was more intense and positive straight leg raising test results were more common in younger patients, whereas reflex disturbances were more common in the elderly. The vertebral site for the lowest anteroposterior value was higher with higher age. Preoperative duration did not affect the severity of symptoms or signs. Patients with more pronounced stenosis tended to have a more severe reduction of walking ability. There was no correlation between symptoms and signs and radiographically detected constriction.