Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Flashcards
What are the ligaments in the spine? (5)
Ligamentum flavum
Anterior longitudinal ligament
Posterior longitudinal ligament
Supraspinous ligament
Interspinous ligament
What is Spinal claudication?
Clinical term for weakest of the legs that gets worse specifically with walking but eases with rest
What is Lumbar stenosis?
Associated with spinal claudication
Narrowing of the spinal canal
Causing compression of the spinal cord and nerves
What are some of the common causes of Lumbar stenosis?
Herniated intervertebral discs
Bone spurs
Thickened spinal ligaments
What is lateral lumbar stenosis?
LLS is caused secondary to superior Articulating process (SAP) hypertrophy
What is medial lumber stenosis?
MLS is caused secondary to inferior articulating process (IAP) hypertrophy
What causes central lumbar stenosis?
Due to hypertrophic spurring, bony projection or ligamentum flavum/ laminar thickening
What sign is visible with laminar thickening?
Fleur de lis ( clover leaf) - is a sign of spinal stenosis cased by laminar thickening with subsequent posterolateral bulging
What are the treatments options for lumbar stenosis?
Laminectomy - allows access to the cord and relived press use in the Canal
Foraminotomy
Lumbar microdiscectomy
Interspinous process distractors