221. Change in sagittal alignment after decompression alone in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: a prospective cohort study

Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis present with low back pain, numbness and pain in the legs and gait difficulties due to neurogenic claudication. Patients often walk in a stooped posture to increase the spinal canal diameter by stretching out the ligamentum flavum. This stooped posture leads to a positive sagittal balance. After decompressive surgery, patients may walk in a less stooped manner, improving their sagittal balance, which may lead to less back pain and improved patient reported outcomes.

Source: The Spine Journal - August 31, 2020 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Jamal Bech Bouknaitir, Leah Y. Carreon, Stig Brorson, Mikkel Andersen Source Type: research