Lumbar spinal stenosis
The lumbar spinal stenosis is a common situation that leads to a compression of the neurologic elements located in the spinal canal (Nerve roots, or the distal part of the spinal cord).
It can be constitutional or related to degenerative disorders (disc bulging, ligament flavum or facet hypertrophy).
It is responsible for sciatica or cruralgia, usually worsening when walking, and released when resting.
The surgical treatment aims at releasing the nerve roots by partial resection of bony elements, disc fragments, and ligaments that are responsible for the compression.
The surgery: Decompression
Decompression surgery aims at releasing the nerve roots, or the spinal cord, when they are compressed due to disc herniation, or degenerative changes of the spinal canal (facet and ligament hypertrophy, foraminal stenosis)
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The surgery is usually done by a posterior approach in the back.
Part of the bony elements and ligaments are removed to make space for the nerves.
If a disc herniation is compressing a nerve root, it will be removed accordingly.