An interspinous process distractor (X STOP) for lumbar spinal stenosis in elderly patients - Preliminary experiences in 10 consecutive coses

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is often a position-dependent condition that is aggravated in extension and relieved in flexion. Methods: Ten consecutive elderly patients with LSS were assessed postoperatively by magnetic resonance imaging and the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire. Cross-sectional areas of the dural sac and intervertebral foramina at the stenotic level were measured postoperatively and compared with the preoperative values. Results: Postoperatively the cross-sectional area of the dural sac increased 16.6 mm(2) or 22.3% and intervertebral foramina increased 22 mm(2) or 36.5%. The intervertebral angle and the posterior disc height changed significantly. Seventy percent of the patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome. Conclusion: This new surgical method is effective in elderly LSS patients.