RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Comparative effectiveness of microdecompression and laminectomy for central lumbar spinal stenosis: study protocol for an observational study
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e004651
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-004651
VO 4
IS 3
A1 Ulf S Nerland
A1 Asgeir S Jakola
A1 Ole Solheim
A1 Clemens Weber
A1 Vidar Rao
A1 Greger Lønne
A1 Tore K Solberg
A1 Øyvind Salvesen
A1 Sven M Carlsen
A1 Øystein P Nygaard
A1 Sasha Gulati
YR 2014
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/4/3/e004651.abstract
AB 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).