Outcomes of patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis undergoing laminectomy based on the morphology of the dural sac on MRI

To study the outcomes of patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis undergoing Laminectomy based on the morphology of the dural sac on magnetic resonance images. Patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis who were candidates for Laminectomy entered this case series study. The morphology of the dural sac on MRI and preoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were determined. Patients were recalled 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery and Laminectomy results based on ODI (The difference between pre and postoperative ODI score) and the patients’ satisfaction using standardized questionnaires at two levels were recorded. Formal statistical evaluation was undertaken. Ninety-seven patients were eligible to enter the study during the two year course of study. Patients were aged 58.5 ± 13 (20 to 84 years) and were followed for at least one year. C and D grade patients were 79% and 21%, respectively. At final follow-up, 88.7% of patients were satisfied with the outcome and all of patients who were dissatisfied had presented with grade C (P<0.05). The difference between pre and postoperative ODI scores of grades C and D were 22.4 ± 3.8 and 26.2 ± 5.6, respectively (P<0.05). It seems that the preoperative morphology of the dural sac on MRI is able to predict Laminectomy results in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Of course, given the limitations of this study, and because, this appears to be the first report in the literature, further study in this area is recommended.