[LowBack]

#33636

Dr. Corenman,
I have been diagnosed with lateral recess stenosis. Symptoms include pain that radiates to the lower leg with some back pain with walking improved with sitting and bending forward. Surgery that has been recommended is L4L-L5 decompression(laminectomy?). my question is if a decompression(without fusion) is done what are the long term results(is this something that will return shortly)? Also does this weaken other segments?

Thanks so much for your time.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#33645

See https://neckandback.com/conditions/lateral-recess-stenosis/ to understand lateral recess stenosis.

Generally, if the lateral recess stenosis is not associated with collapse or instability and/or there is a herniated disc that causes lateral recess stenosis, then a simple local decompression surgery would be in order with good longevity of the operated segmental level. If however, the cause of lateral recess stenosis is significant degeneration of the facets which causes bone spur formation, instability or angular collapse of the level due to disc and facet wear, then the stability of the level will dictate how long a decompression will last.

Dr. Corenman

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