Surgical Results of Degenerative Lumbar Canal Stenosis in Patients Over 80

For the past 5 years, 16 patients over 80 years old with degenerative lumbar canal stenosis were surgically treated. The operative method was wide laminectomy. Of these, in 2 cases with unstable spine, postelolateral fusion were added. The mean age at surgery was 82.5 years. (the range being from 80 to 90), and the mean postoperative period was 34 months.The clinical results were evaluated retrospectively with the Japanese Orthopedic Association low back pain rating score (JOA score). The JOA score was 8.3 preoperatively and 20.2 postoperatively (rate of improvement: 57.1%) on average. Especially for gait capability and leg pain good recovery has been obtained. The average time of operation was 57 minutes and amount of bleeding was 157g. The operation results were satisfactory in 72% patients. If preoperative general complication is under control, wide laminectomy is an effective method for aged patient.