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X-Stop, minimally invasive decompression improve stenosis symptoms, have specific risks
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The X-Stop minimally invasive surgery and minimally invasive decompression both alleviate lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms, but both techniques come with specific risks, according to recently published data.
Researchers enrolled 96 patients with symptoms of neurogenic intermittent claudication within 250-m walking distance and one- or two-level lumbar spinal stenosis. Forty-one patients underwent minimally invasive decompression (MID) and 40 underwent X-Stop (Medtronic); 15 patients were lost to follow-up.
The researchers used the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) as the primary outcome measure for the study, whereas secondary outcomes were Oswestry Disability Index, EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire, numerical rating scale 11 for lower back and leg pain, and risk for secondary surgery and complications. The observation period lasted 2 years.
According to the results, there was no statistically significant difference in ZCQ scores between the two groups. Both groups had statistically and clinically significant improvements at 6 weeks and throughout the observation period, according to the researchers.
The researchers noted 10 patients (25%) in the X-Stop group underwent reoperation for persistent or recurrent symptoms, compared with only two patients (4.9%) in the MID group. However, although complication rates were low and similar between the groups, patients in the MID group were found to have more severe complications, according to the researchers. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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