Quality of life after surgical decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis with and without instrumentation

The aim is to evaluate the influence on quality of life of surgical decompression with and without instrumentation in lumbar spinal stenosis. Twenty three patients, (16 women, 7 men) with a mean age of 62,8 years old (range 44-80) who underwent a surgical decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis filled the SF-36 questionnaire pre- and postoperatively, during the follow up period which was at a mean value of 42 months (range 6 to 50 months). Spinal stenosis was degenerative in 18 patients and as a consequence of spondylolisthisis in 5. In 15 patients decompression and fusion using instrumentation (group I) was performed and in 8 patients only decompression was performed (group II). Statistical analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. In group I, the domains that evidenced statistical significant improvement were bodily pain (p < 0,041), general health (p < 0,042), vitality (p < 0,042), social functioning (p < 0,043), and mental health (p < 0,042). Not any specific domain in group II showed a statistical significant improvement postoperatively. Comparing the two groups overall SF-36 score, a statistical significant improvement was noted for group I (p < 0,001) and for group II (p < 0,017). The statistical significance of improvement was stronger in patients of group I than group II. Surgical decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis reduces pain and restores significantly physical and mental health. Decompression and instrumentation presents superior results in patients' quality of life when compared to patients that single decompression was performed.