TY - JOUR T1 - Comparative effectiveness of microdecompression and laminectomy for central lumbar spinal stenosis: study protocol for an observational study JF - BMJ Open JO - BMJ Open DO - 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-004651 VL - 4 IS - 3 SP - e004651 AU - Ulf S Nerland AU - Asgeir S Jakola AU - Ole Solheim AU - Clemens Weber AU - Vidar Rao AU - Greger Lønne AU - Tore K Solberg AU - Øyvind Salvesen AU - Sven M Carlsen AU - Øystein P Nygaard AU - Sasha Gulati Y1 - 2014/03/01 UR - http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/4/3/e004651.abstract N2 - Introduction This observational study is designed to test the equivalence between the clinical effectiveness of microdecompression and laminectomy in the surgical treatment of central lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar spinal stenosis is the most frequent indication for spinal surgery in the elderly, and as the oldest segment of the population continues to grow its prevalence is likely to increase. However, data on surgical outcomes are limited. Open or wide decompressive laminectomy, often combined with medial facetectomy and foraminotomy, was formerly the standard treatment. In recent years a growing tendency towards less invasive decompressive procedures has emerged. At present, many spine surgeons perform microdecompression for central lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods and analysis Prospectively registered treatment and outcome data are obtained from the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery. The primary outcome measure is change in Oswestry disability index between baseline and 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcome measures are changes in health-related quality of life measured by the Euro-Qol-5D between baseline and 12-month follow-up, perioperative complications, and duration of surgical procedures and length of hospital stay. Ethics and dissemination The study has been evaluated and approved by the regional committee for medical research in central Norway and all participants provided written informed consent. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. Trial registration number Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02006901). ER -