Abstract

Background and Purpose. Spinal stenosis is a common, often disabling, condition resulting from compression of the cauda equina and nerve roots. This study was designed to: (1) characterize the impairments of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and (2) to identifY predictors of self-reported walking capacity.

Subjects. Forty-three patients with symptomatic LSS, from 3 specialty clinics, were evaluated. Twenty-eight subjects (65%) were female. The subjects' median age was 73.6 years (X̄=72.4, SD=10.3, range=45.7-90.7) , and the median duration of low back pain was 24 months (X̄=36.6, SD=41.6, range=0-216).

Methods. Demographic data, medical history, and information about low back pain and symptoms (eg, numbness, tingling, and lower-extremity weakness) were collected using a standardized questionnaire and physical examination.

Results. Twenty-two subjects (51 %) had lower-extremity weakness, primarily of the extensor hallucis longus muscle. Thirty-five subjects (81 %) had absent or decreased neurosensory responses (eg, pinprick, vibration, reflexes), and 28 subjects (66%) reported that they were unable to walk farther than 2 blocks. Women were more likely than men to report difficulties walking, as were subjects with abnormal Romberg test scores and those with greater pain during walking.

Discussion and Conclusion. Pain and balance problems appeared to be the primary factors limiting ambulation in our subjects with LSS.

Notes

Originally published in Physical Therapy v.81 no.7 (July 2001), pp.1296-1306. http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/81/7/1296.abstract

Keywords

lumbar spinal stenosis, self-reported symptoms, walking, clinical signs and symptoms

Subject Categories

Spinal canal - Stenosis, Walking, Pain - Measurement

Disciplines

Musculoskeletal System

Publisher

American Physical Therapy Association

Publication Date

7-2001


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