Midline Sparing Interapophysealaminar Decompression Technique for Management of Lumbar Stenosis in Pediatric Achondroplasia

We present a technical case report of her successful surgical treatment using a midline posterior tension band sparing modification to the interapophyseolaminar decompression technique proposed by Thomeer et al.. Discussion/conclusion: We demonstrate that an adequate interapophyseolaminar decompression can be achieved through the performance of bilateral laminotomies, bilateral medial facetectomies, and undercutting of the ventral spinous process while preserving supraspinous and interspinous ligament attachments. Given the generally multi-level nature of lumbar stenosis and longer life expectancies of pediatric achondroplasia patients, decompressive surgical interventions must aspire to minimize disruption of spine biomechanics if fusion surgery is to be avoided.
Source: Pediatric Neurosurgery - Category: Neurosurgery Source Type: research