Massive lumbar disc herniation with complete dural sac stenosis

Background:

Large lumbar disc herniation (LDH) has been reported to have a greater tendency to resolve in clinical and pathomorphological evolutions. However, various definitions of large LDH have been used without validation, and the clinical symptoms of large LDH have not been fully elucidated. We conducted a retrospective analysis to determine the clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of massive LDH with complete dural sac stenosis

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 33 cases of LDH with complete dural sac stenosis on magnetic resonance imaging. Complete dural sac stenosis was defined as no recognizable rootlet and cerebrospinal fluid signal on T2-weighed axial MR images. The clinical outcome parameters included back pain, leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and neurological dysfunction. The paired t-test and Wilcoxon''s signed rank test were used to compare serial changes in back pain, leg pain and neurological dysfunction.

Results:

Mean duration of followup was 66 months (range 24 - 108 months). There were 24 male and 9 female. The mean age was 37 years (range 20 - 53 years). At presentation, mean visual analogue scales for back pain and leg pain were 75.3 ± 19.1 (range 12 - 100) and 80.2 ± 14.6 (range 0 -100), respectively. Mean ODI was 67.1 ± 18.8 (range 26 - 88). Neurological dysfunction was found in 9 patients (27.3%), and the bowel/bladder dysfunction was found in 2 patients (3.1%). Conservative treatment was performed in 21 patients (63.6%) with satisfactory results. Seven patients underwent decompressive surgery, and 5 underwent posterolateral fusion.

Conclusions:

A massive LDH with complete dural sac stenosis was found to be associated with severe back and leg pain at presentation, however surgical treatment can be deferred unless significant neurological symptoms occur.     

腰椎后路手术对硬膜囊容量和脊柱稳定性的影响

目的 :进一步了解腰椎后路手术对脊柱功能的影响 ,为临床合理选择术式提供依据。方法 :采用平行光三维测量系统 ,对 12具人新鲜尸体腰椎实施全椎板切除、半椎板切除及交叉半椎板切除 ,对其屈伸状态下硬膜囊容量和脊柱稳定性的定量变化结果进行双因素方差分析。结果 :腰椎屈曲活动时硬膜囊容量增大 ,仰伸位变小 ;全椎板切除与交叉半椎板切除 ,硬膜囊容量改变相近 ,但均较半椎板切除明显增大 (P <0 0 1) ;任何一种腰椎后路手术 ,均能破坏腰椎稳定性 ,其中半椎板切除与交叉半椎板切除破坏性较小 ,而与全椎板切除相比较 ,后者破坏性大于前二者 (P <0 0 1)。结论 :下腰椎疾病后路手术应尽量保留棘突及其韧带 ,交叉半椎板切除可使椎管得到充分减压 ,同时又较好地保留脊柱的稳定性     

神经根沉降征与重度中央型/混合型腰椎管狭窄受压节段硬膜囊横截面积变化的相关性研究

目的:评价神经根沉降征与重度中央型/混合型腰椎管狭窄节段硬膜囊横截面积变化之间的关系,并探讨其可能的发生机制。方法:回顾性分析2012年1月~2015年6月齐齐哈尔医学院附属第二医院明确诊断为腰椎管狭窄症(LSS)的87例患者的MRI图像,均被确诊为中央型或混合型LSS,MRI明确显示L3/4或L4/5节段至少一个扫描层面的硬膜囊横截面积(cross-sectional area,CSA)≤80mm~2。患者均有间歇性跛行,行走距离≤500m。单节段狭窄61例,其中L3/4狭窄19例,L4/5狭窄42例;双节段(L3/4、L4/5)狭窄26例,共筛选出符合标准的狭窄节段113个,分析其中神经根沉降征阳性的发生率,并将其分为沉降征阳性组与沉降征阴性组。L3/4、L4/5节段各扫描3层,在横截面MRI T2加权相图像上测量最小硬膜囊CSA、最小椎管正中矢状径(PAD)、最大硬膜囊横截面积差(CSAD),组间比较采用t检验;进一步采用受试者工作特征曲线(receiver operating characteristic curve,ROC-curve)即ROC曲线分析神经根沉降征阳性发生率与最小硬膜囊CSA、最小椎管PAD、最大硬膜囊CSAD之间的相关性。结果:在113个重度腰椎管狭窄节段中,28个狭窄节段沉降征阴性,85个狭窄节段沉降征阳性,神经根沉降征阳性发生率为75.22%。神经根沉降征阳性组最小椎管PAD为12.00±2.10mm,阴性组为11.47±2.04mm,两组比较有统计学差异(P0.05);阳性组最大硬膜囊CSAD为36.94±13.97mm~2,阴性组为18.60±7.70mm~2,两组比较有统计学差异(P0.01);阳性组最小硬膜囊CSA为47.34±12.55mm~2,阴性组为45.16±15.35mm~2,两组比较无统计学差异(P0.05)。最小椎管PAD的ROC曲线下面积值(AUC)为0.64(P0.05);最大硬膜囊CSAD的ROC曲线下面积值(AUC)为0.929(P0.01);最小硬膜囊CSA的ROC曲线下面积值(AUC)为0.557(P0.05)。结论:阳性神经根沉降征的发生与狭窄节段硬膜囊受压变窄的变化程度有关,硬膜囊最大CSAD可作为评估腰椎管狭窄节段硬膜囊受压变窄的变化程度的指标。     

MRI中椎管及硬膜囊大小与单节段腰椎间盘突出症治疗的相关性研究

目的:探讨MRI中椎管及硬膜囊大小对椎间盘突出症治疗方法选择的参考价值。方法:对2010年1月至2012年12月非手术和手术治疗的144例腰椎间盘突出症患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。其中非手术组91例,男55例,女36例,年龄20～ 68岁,平均(43.37±12.48)岁;手术组53例,男28例,女25例,年龄20～ 64岁,平均(42.98±12.95)岁。采用JOA评分(29 分)对两组患者治疗前后的临床表现(包括症状、体征、日常活动受限度和膀胱功能)及效果进行量化评价。同时在腰椎MRI T2轴位测量椎管和硬膜囊大小的相关参数(包括椎管正中矢径和有效矢径、侧隐窝宽度、椎管和硬膜囊面积),并计算有效矢径/正中矢径、隐窝宽度/正中矢径和膜囊面积/椎管面积的比值。将两组患者的各参数值进行统计学比较,并分析其与治疗前JOA评分的相关性。结果:(1)144例患者随访1～3年,平均2.1年。治疗前非手术组和手术组的JOA评分分别为16.27±2.96和12.64±3.30,差异有统计学意义(t=6.319,p<0.01).末次随访非手术组与手术组比较,JOA评分(25.41±2.22 vs 25.76±2.29;t=-0.853,p=0.396>0.05),改善率[(72.95±12.54)% vs (76.80±9.45)%;t=-1.855,p=0.065>0.05]和优良率(84.91% vs 78.02%;χ₂=3.704,p=0.295>0.05)的差异均无统计学意义;但非手术组的复发率(14.29%)较手术组(5.67%)高。(2)手术组椎管正中矢径和有效矢径、侧隐窝宽度、椎管和硬膜囊面积、有效矢径/正中矢径、隐窝宽度/正中矢径均小于非手术组,硬膜囊面积/椎管面积则大于非手术组,两组比较差异均有统计学意义(p<0.01).(3)治疗前JOA评分与椎管正中矢径和有效矢径、侧隐窝宽度、椎管及硬膜囊面积有正相关性(p<0.01);与有效矢径/正中矢径、侧隐窝宽度/正中矢径也有正相关性(p<0.05);而与硬膜囊面积/椎管面积有负相关性(p<0.01).结论:非手术和手术治疗腰椎间盘突出症均能获得良好的效果,但非手术治疗复发率较高。术前测量椎管及硬膜囊的MRI参数对椎间盘突出症治疗方法的选择有一定的临床参考价值,但需要进一步完善和临床验证。     

Management of lumbar spinal stenosis: a survey among Dutch spine surgeons

Background

Various surgical and non-surgical treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) are widely adopted in clinical practice, but high quality randomised controlled trials to support these are often lacking, especially in terms of their relative benefit and risk compared with other treatment options. Therefore, an evaluation of agreement among clinicians regarding the indications and the choice for particular treatments seems appropriate.

Methods

One hundred and six Dutch neurosurgeons and orthopaedic spine surgeons completed a questionnaire, which evaluated treatment options for LSS and expectations regarding the effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Results

Responders accounted for 6,971 decompression operations and 831 spinal fusion procedures for LSS annually. Typical neurogenic claudication, severe pain/disability, and a pronounced constriction of the spinal canal were considered the most important indications for surgical treatment by the majority of responders. Non-surgical treatment was generally regarded as ineffective and believed to be less effective than surgical treatment. Interlaminar decompression was the preferred technique by 68 % of neurosurgeons and 52 % orthopaedic surgeons for the treatment of LSS. Concomitant fusion was applied in 12 % of all surgery for LSS. Most surgeons considered spondylolisthesis as an indication and spinal instability as a definite indication for additional fusion.

Conclusions

The current survey demonstrates a wide variety of preferred treatments of symptomatic LSS by Dutch spine surgeons. To minimise variety, national and international protocols based on high-quality randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews are necessary to give surgeons more tools to support everyday decision-making.     

Dynamic changes in the dural sac of patients with lumbar canal stenosis evaluated by multidetector-row computed tomography after myelography

Purpose

Some reported studies have evaluated the dural sac in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) by computed tomography (CT) after conventional myelography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). But they have been only able to evaluate static factors. No reports have described detailed dynamic changes in the dural sac during flexion and extension observed by multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). The aim of this study was to elucidate or demonstrate, in detail, the influence of dynamic factors on the severity of stenosis.

Methods

One hundred patients with LSS were enrolled in this study. All underwent MDCT in both flexion and extension positions after myelography, in addition to undergoing MRI. The anteroposterior diameter (AP-distance) and cross-sectional area of the dural sac (D-area) were measured at each disc level between L1–2 and L5–S1. The dynamic change in the D-area was defined as the absolute value of the difference between flexion and extension. The rate of dynamic change (dynamic change in D-area/D-area at flexion) in the dural sac at each disc level was also calculated.

Results

The average AP-distance in flexion/extension (mm) was 9.2/7.4 at L3–4 and 8.3/7.4 at L4–5. The average D-area in flexion/extension (mm²) was 96.3/73.6 at L3–4 and 72.3/61.0 at L4–5. The values were significantly lower in extension than in flexion at all disc levels from L1–2 to L5–S1. AP-distance was narrowest and D-area smallest at L4–5 during extension. The rates of dynamic changes at L2–3 and L3–4 were higher than those at L4–5.

Conclusions

MDCT clearly elucidated the dynamic changes in the lumbar dural sac. Before surgery, MDCT after myelography should be used to evaluate the dynamic change during flexion and extension, especially at L2–3, L3–4, and L4–5.     

老年腰椎椎管狭窄症患者术中硬膜囊撕裂位置及术中术后处理对策

目的探讨老年腰椎椎管狭窄症患者手术发生硬膜囊撕裂的解剖学机制,比较撕裂位置及术中、术后处理对策。方法回顾性分析2012年01月~2014年01月本院行腰椎后路手术的216例〉70岁老年患者,记录患者一般资料、病程时间、术前诊断、手术方式和节段、术中硬膜囊撕裂的位置、术后脑脊液漏情况和处理方法以及并发症等。结果共计151例患者入选,其中男89例,女62例,年龄70~93岁,平均78.12岁。术中发生硬膜囊撕裂共计34例,术后出现脑脊液漏23例,硬膜囊撕裂位置发生率硬膜囊后外侧〉根袖〉硬膜囊外侧〉硬膜囊腹侧。术中采取硬膜囊缝合修补、明胶海绵压迫、生物蛋白胶粘合等处理,术后常规给予预防感染、神经根脱水、补液等治疗,均于术后3~10 d拔管,3~4周切口愈合,全部患者未出现严重并发症。结论 〉70岁老年腰椎椎管狭窄症患者术中硬膜囊撕裂及术后脑脊液漏的发生率高于整体人群,且多位于硬膜囊后外侧及根袖,术中及时发现并仔细缝合或修补破损的硬膜、术后间断夹闭引流管、延长拔管时间能获得良好的效果。     

The antero-posterior diameter of the lumbar dural sac does not predict sensory levels of spinal anesthesia for Cesarean delivery

PURPOSE: The lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, is a major determinant of the intrathecal spread of local anesthetics. Ultrasound imaging of the lumbar spine allows measurement of dural sac dimensions, which we hypothesize can be used to estimate CSF volume. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the dural sac antero-posterior diameter correlates with sensory levels of spinal anesthesia during elective Cesarean delivery (CD). METHODS: After Research Ethics Board approval and informed consent, a prospective observational study enrolled 41 patients scheduled for elective CD under spinal anesthesia. With ultrasound imaging (transverse approach, 2-5 MHz curved array probe), we measured the antero-posterior diameter of the lumbar dural sac (dural sac diameter, DSD). Spinal anesthesia was administered with 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacaine 1.6 mL, fentanyl 10 microg and morphine 100 microg, with the patient in the sitting position. Sensory block levels were assessed with ice and pinprick every five minutes until peak sensory levels (PSL) were attained. Spearman's rank correlation was used to correlate DSD with PSL and time to attain PSL. RESULTS: There were no significant correlations between DSD and PSL assessed with ice (P = 0.474) or pinprick (P = 0.583). Similarly, there was no significant correlation between DSD and time to reach PSL, and between DSD and patient demographics. CONCLUSION: The lumbar DSD, as determined by ultrasound, is not a predictor of spinal anesthesia spread. Further research is necessary to understand if ultrasound findings can be used to predict intrathecal spread of local anesthetics.     

Effect of a prototype lumbar spinal stenosis belt versus a lumbar support on walking capacity in lumbar spinal stenosis: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) can impair blood flow to the spinal nerves giving rise to neurogenic claudication and limited walking ability. Reducing lumbar lordosis can increases the volume of the spinal canal and reduce neuroischemia. We developed a prototype LSS belt aimed at reducing lumbar lordosis while walking.

Rationale for spinal fusion in lumbar spinal stenosis

In order to define the indications for spinal fusion in patients undergoing decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis, 114 patients surgically treated were reviewed. Follow-up was 24 to 108 months. Patients were grouped into four categories: 15 with lateral recess stenosis, 45 with central-mixed stenosis, 43 with stenosis following prior lumbar surgery(s), and 11 with scoliosis and spinal stenosis. Only two patients with lateral recess stenosis underwent fusion with fair results. Approximately one-third of those with central-mixed stenosis required a fusion. Results were good in 70%. In those with stenosis following prior lumbar surgeries, although not statistically significant, those who had concomitant decompression and arthrodesis had a better outcome than those in whom decompression only was done. Patients with scoliosis and stenosis had decompression for significant motor and reflex deficits and fusion over the length of their major curves. Patients having decompression for lumbar stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis, isolated disc resorption with degenerative facet joints, intervertebral disc disease with instability, and those with scoliosis with multidirectional instabilities benefit from concomitant spinal fusion.     

腰椎管狭窄的治疗进展

随着我国人口老龄化加剧,以退行性改变为主的腰椎管狭窄症患者不断增多。腰椎管狭窄目前没有足够的证据推荐任何特定类型的非手术治疗,手术是治疗腰椎管狭窄的有效方法,腰椎管狭窄患者不经过保守治疗而采用手术改善临床症状具有最强的证据基础。单纯减压术后脊柱节段不稳促使融合技术的发展,融合后相邻节段退变加速、症状不缓解导致动态固定技术应运而生。患者在行椎管减压的同时是否需植骨融合至今仍存在较大争议,近年来我国治疗腰椎管狭窄的单纯减压手术明显下降,然而减压加融合手术却持续增加。椎管减压同时辅以腰椎融合,越来越多被应用于腰椎管狭窄来减少脊柱不稳和畸形的潜在风险。虽然减压手术治疗是有一定的临床效果,但目前尚不清楚是否减压附加融合手术的结果要优于单纯减压手术。本文对腰椎管狭窄患者是否需要融合进行综述研究,旨在进一步探讨腰椎管狭窄手术治疗的最佳选择,专注于以证据为基础的治疗方案。     

Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: an evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The objective of the North American Spine Society (NASS) evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) is to provide evidence-based recommendations to address key clinical questions surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of DLSS. The guideline is intended to reflect contemporary treatment concepts for symptomatic DLSS as reflected in the highest quality clinical literature available on this subject as of April 2006. The goals of the guideline recommendations are to assist in delivering optimum, efficacious treatment, and functional recovery from this spinal disorder. PURPOSE: To provide an evidence-based tool that assists practitioners in improving the quality and efficiency of care delivered to patients with DLSS. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Evidence-based clinical guideline. METHODS: This report is from the Spinal Stenosis Work Group of the NASS Clinical Guidelines Committee. The work group comprised medical, diagnostic, interventional, and surgical spinal care specialists, all of whom were trained in the principles of evidence-based analysis. In the development of this guideline, the work group arrived at a consensus definition of a working diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis by use of a modification of the nominal group technique. Each member of the group formatted a series of clinical questions to be addressed by the group and the final list of questions agreed on by the group is the subject of this report. A literature search addressing each question and using a specific literature search protocol was performed on English language references found in MEDLINE, EMBASE (Drugs and Pharmacology), and four additional, evidence-based, databases. The relevant literature to answer each clinical question was then independently rated by at least two reviewers using the NASS-adopted standardized levels of evidence. An evidentiary table was created for each of the questions. Any discrepancies in evidence levels among the initial raters were resolved by at least two additional members' review of the reference and independent rating. Final grades of recommendation for the answer to each clinical question were arrived at in face-to-face meetings among members of the work group using the NASS-adopted standardized grades of recommendation. When Levels I to IV evidence was insufficient to support a recommendation to answer a specific clinical question, expert consensus was arrived at by the work group through the modified nominal group technique and is clearly identified as such in the guideline. RESULTS: Eighteen clinical questions were asked, addressing issues of prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of DLSS. The answers to these 18 clinical questions are summarized in this document along with their respective levels of evidence and grades of recommendation in support of these answers. CONCLUSIONS: A clinical guideline for DLSS has been created using the techniques of evidence-based medicine and using the best available evidence as a tool to aid both practitioners and patients involved with the care of this disease. The entire guideline document including the evidentiary tables, suggestions for future research, and all references is available electronically at the NASS Web site (www.spine.org) and will remain updated on a timely schedule.     

The increase in dural sac area is maintained at 2 years after X-stop implantation for the treatment of spinal stenosis with no significant alteration in lumbar spine range of movement

Background contextThe X-stop interspinous process decompression (IPD) device has been used effectively in the management of symptomatic spinal stenosis. This study examines the radiological outcomes at 2 years postoperatively after X-stop implantation.PurposeTo measure the effect of X-stop IPD device on the dural sac and foraminal areas at 24 months postoperatively at instrumented level in symptomatic lumbar canal stenosis. We also aimed to assess its effect on change in lumbar spine movement.Study designProspective observational study.Patient sampleForty-eight patients treated with X-stop had preoperative positional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, 40 of whom had 2 years postoperative positional MRI scans. Complete scans were available for 39 of these patients.Outcome measuresPositional MRI scans were performed pre- and postoperatively. Measurements were done on these scans and are presented as the outcome measures.MethodsAll patients had a multipositional MRI scan preoperatively and at 6 and 24 months postoperatively. Foraminal area was measured in flexion and extension. Dural cross-sectional area was measured in standing erect and in sitting neutral, flexion, and extension (sitting) positions. The total range of movement (ROM) of the lumbar spine and individual segments was also measured.ResultsComplete scan data for 39 patients' scans were available. An increase in mean dural sac area was found in all positions. At 24 months after surgery, the mean dural sac area increased significantly in all four postures mentioned above. A small increase in mean foraminal area was noted, but this was not statistically significant. Mean anterior disc height reduced from 5.9 to 4.1 mm (p=.006) at 24 months at the instrumented level in single-level cases, from 7.7 to 6.1 mm (p=.032) in double-level cases caudally, and from 8.54 to 7.91 (p=.106) mm cranially. We hypothesize that the reduction in anterior disc heights could be a result of the natural progression of spinal stenosis with aging. There was no significant change in posterior disc heights at instrumented level or adjacent levels. The mean lumbar spine motion was 21.7° preoperatively and 23° at 24 months (p=.584) in single-level cases. This was 32.1° to 31.1° (p=.637) in double-level cases. There was no significant change in the individual segmental range of motion at instrumented and adjacent levels.ConclusionX-stop interspinous device remains effective in decompressing the stenosed spinal segment by increasing the anatomic dural cross-sectional area and foraminal area of spinal canal. It does not significantly alter the ROM of lumbar spine at instrumented and adjacent levels at 24 months postoperatively.     

降钙素在治疗腰椎管狭窄症中的应用

目的观察降钙素在腰椎管狭窄症治疗中的作用。方法对腰椎管狭窄症患者在常规治疗的基础上,治疗组予以降钙素,按曾雌茂计分法进行比较,观察临床疗效。结果治疗组在延长无痛行走距离、缓解腰腿痛、提高肌肉力量、恢复皮肤感觉等方面明显优于对照组。结论降钙素在腰椎管狭窄症治疗中能显著缓解腰腿痛、间歇性跛行等症状,是临床上治疗腰椎管狭窄症的有效方法之一。     

腰椎管狭窄症的影像学诊断

目的：探讨腰椎管狭窄症的X线、CT及MRI诊断价值。方法：分析130例临床诊断和影像学检查征象典型的腰椎管狭窄症的病例资料。男83例,女47例;年龄27～75岁,平均43.5岁。所有病例均行CT检查,其中23例行X线检查,57例行MRI扫描。结果：腰椎管狭窄位于L3,4水平25例,L4,5水平48例,L5S1水平57例。CT显示椎体后缘、椎板、下关节突骨质增生46例,椎板上下关节突肥大7例,黄韧带钙化、骨化13例,椎体向前滑脱5例,侧隐窝狭窄24例,椎间孔狭窄35例。MRI显示椎间盘突出伴黄韧带肥厚23例,黄韧带对称性肥厚18例,广泛多节段增生肥厚9例,局限性黄韧带肥厚7例。结论：继发性腰椎管狭窄症的最常见原因是退变。传统X线检查有很大的局限性,CT和MRI具有多方位成像和分辨率高的优点,但在韧带骨化上MRI难于显示,而CT能很好的显示韧带钙化与骨化及骨质改变,腰椎管狭窄症检查应该首选CT。     

Surgical management of lumbar spinal stenosis

Eighty consecutive patients with lumbar spinal stenosis surgically treated during a 5-year period by the author were reviewed. Patients were placed in the following categories: lateral spinal stenosis (10), central-mixed stenosis (29), spinal stenosis after laminectomy and/or fusion (32), and spinal stenosis with degenerative scoliosis (9). Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scans were helpful in determining the levels requiring decompression. However, in the multiply operated patient, contrast-enhanced CT scans were misleading in six patients. Patients with lateral spinal stenosis were treated with unilateral laminectomy and partial facetectomy. The 29 patients with central-mixed stenosis underwent decompressive laminectomy and bilateral facetectomies. Six fusions were done. In the nine patients with spinal stenosis and scoliosis, concaveside partial facetectomies and laminectomies were done as well as spinal fusions. The 32 patients with spinal stenosis after previous laminectomy and spinal fusions were the most difficult group to analyze, and their treatment was the least standardized. There were 19 good, eight fair, and five poor results in those who had undergone previous surgery. Fifty-seven of the 80 patients (71%) experienced a good result from their surgical treatment.     

Calcitonin treatment in lumbar spinal stenosis: Clinical observations

Summary The prognosis of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis is usually considered poor, and they often need decompression surgery. This study investigates the clinical efficacy and safety of intramuscular calcitonin therapy in 15 lumbar spinal stenosis patients with a neurogenic claudication syndrome. The study is based on several tests used to measure the patient's physical performance capacity. Calcitonin had some beneficial effects on the patients without appreciable side-effects. Because of possible placebo effect, a double-blind crossover study has been started.