OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical application results of the micro-decompression procedure for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with multilevel.

METHODSFrom January 2004 to December 2008, 40 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis with multilevel were treated by micro-decompression procedure. There were 28 males and 12 females, ranging in ages from 55 to 80 years,with an average of 58 years. The course of this disease ranged from 18 months to 12 years,averaged 32 months. Forty patients with lumbar spinal stenosis with multilevel were diagnosed by CT or MRI examination. There were 20 cases with two levels stenosis (L4,5 and L5S1), 15 cases with three levels stenosis (L3,4, L4,5 and L5S1), and 5 cases with four levels stenosis (L2,3, L3,4, L4,5 and L5S1). The therapeutic effects were evaluated according MacNab standard in aspect of pain, bladder function, range of lumbar spine motion and muscle strength of lower limb.

RESULTSAll of the incisions healed without infections and complications. The mean operation time of each side was 70 minutes (ranged from 50 to 90 minutes), and mean blood loss was 150 ml (ranged from 90 to 200 ml). All the patients were followed up from 22 to 52 months with an average of 26 months. According to MacNab standard, 28 cases got an excellent result, 10 good and 2 poor.

CONCLUSIONOperative treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis with multilevel should focus on the symptom sites causing by neural compression and preventive decompression operations are not necessary for nonsymptomatic sites. The micro-decompression procedure can be easily tolerated by older patients;it can decrease the damage to the posterior stabilizing structures of the lumbar spine. It is easily to access to spinal canal and decompress the nerve roots.