Affiliations: [a] Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Marien Krankenhaus GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany | [b] Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany | [c] Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Medizinisches Zentrum StädteRegion Aachen GmbH, Mauerfeldchen, Würselen, Germany
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Frank Beyer, Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Marien Krankenhaus GmbH, Dr.-Robert-Koch-Str. 18, 51465 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. Tel.: +49 2202 938 4620; Fax: +49 2202 938 2211; E-mail:frank.beyer@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Non-operative treatment is widely accepted for early stages of lumbar spinal
stenosis. In general, a trial of conservative treatment is recommended prior
to surgery. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding benefits from
non-operative treatment and their duration. METHODS:
Thirty-eight patients were included in this prospective study. All patients
received repeated epidural injections and facet joint injections as well as
physiotherapy during a one week hospitalization. Patient characteristics,
VAS scores, COMI and ODI scores and SF-36 were assessed prior to and
immediately after treatment as well as after six, twelve, and 26 weeks. For
six weeks after treatment, patients were asked to record a pain diary. RESULTS:
Back and leg pain scores improved significantly on VAS up to three months
follow-up. COMI score improved significantly over the entire follow-up.
Regarding quality of life, mental sub-scores showed no improvement. Physical
component summary scores improved for the first three months. CONCLUSIONS:
Non-operative treatment offers pain relief and improves physical function
for three months. COMI scores improve up to six months follow-up. Spine
Tango registry offers standardized instruments for outcome evaluation of
non-operative treatment.
