The NORDSTEN Studies/ The Spinal Stenosis Study (NORDSTEN/SST)
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis focused on measuring Lumbar Spinal stenosis, Surgical treatment of LSS.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- have clinical symptoms of spinal stenosis as neurogenic claudication or radiating pain into the bilaterally to the lower limbs, not responding to at least 3 months of conservative treatment.
- Radiological findings corresponding to the clinical symptoms of LSS. Central -stenosis, or lateral recess-stenosis.
- be able to give informed consent and to answer the questionnaires.
- over 18 years of age-have -not responding to at least 3 months of non-surgical treatment.
- be able to understand Norwegian language, spoken and in writing
Exclusion Criteria:
- have a degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, with a slip ≥ 3 mm verified on standing plain x-rays in lateral view.
- are not willing to give written consent.
- have former surgery in the level of stenosis.
- fracture, or former fusion of the thoracolumbal region.
- cauda equina syndrome (bowel or bladder dysfunction) or fixed complete motor deficit.
- are ASA- classified 4 or 5.
- are older than 80 years
- have a lumbosacral scoliosis more than 20 degrees verified on AP-view
- have distinct symptoms in one or both of their legs due to other diseases, e.g. polyneuropaty, vascular claudication or osteoarthtris.
- LSS in 4 or more levels.
- not able to comply fully with the protocol, including treatment, follow-up or study procedures (psychosocially, mentally and physical).
- the patient is participating in another clinical trial that may interfere with this trial
Sites / Locations
- Haukeland University Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
Bilateral laminotomy (BL)
Unilateral laminotomy with crossover (UL)
Spinous process osteotomy (SPO)
The multifidus muscles is detached from the spinous process bilaterally.The decompression of the spinal canal is performed by first doing a flavectomy. Thereby performing a laminotomy (about 1/3) of the the lower part of the superior lamina, and a laminotomy of the upper part (about 1/4) of the inferior lamina. This is performed bilaterally.
The multifidus muscles is detached from the spinous process unilaterally. The laminotomy is first performed ipsilaterally. The decompression of the spinal canal is performed by first doing a flavectomy. Then, performing a laminotomy (about 1/3) of the the lower part of the superior lamina, and a laminotomy of the upper part (about 1/4) of the inferior lamina. Dura is then retracted, and the decompression is performed contralaterally.
The multifidus muscles is detached from the spinous process unilaterally. An osteotomy of the superior spinous process is performed at the basis, in the actual level. The spinous process with intact interspinal and supraspinal ligaments is then retracted to the contralateral side. The decompression is first performed in the midline. Then one goes laterally on both sides too perform the decompression. About 1/3 of the lower part of the superior lamina is removed, and about 1/4 of the upper part of the inferior lamina is removed.