Does the degree of foraminal stenosis affect the outcome of decompressive surgery in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis? Comparison of pain scores and disability at baseline and follow-up

BackgroundForaminal stenosis is often encountered in patients undergoing decompression for spinal stenosis. Given the increased resection of facets and the presence of the more sensitive dorsal root ganglion, it is hypothesized that patients with foraminal stenosis have poorer postoperative outcomes.MethodsThirty-one patients undergoing decompression without fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis were evaluated. The degree of foraminal stenosis was determined by 2 independent reviewers for absence of fat around the nerve roots. ImageJ digital imaging software was also used to evaluate the foraminal area. Patients with foraminal stenosis were compared with those without using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and a numerical pain scale for back and leg pain at a minimum of 1 year follow-up.ResultsTwenty patients in the foraminal stenosis group were compared with 11 without foraminal stenosis. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding age, sex, comorbidities, number of levels operate...