Spinal Stenosis and Claudication (lumbar spine) Flashcards
1
Q
why does spinal stenosis occur
A
cauda equine of lumbar spine has less space
2
Q
what causes the cauda equine to have less space
A
- spondylosis
- combination of bulging discs, bulging ligamentum flavum and osteophytes
3
Q
what age are the people typically affected
A
people over 60
4
Q
what is characteristic
A
claudication (pain in legs on walking)
5
Q
what features contrast to vascular claudication (from PVD)
A
- claudication distance is inconsistent
- pain is burning (rather than cramping)
- pain is less walking uphill (spine flexion creates more space for cauda equina)
- pedal pulses are preserved
6
Q
what is first line management
A
physio and weight loss
7
Q
when would surgery be performed
A
- symptoms don’t alleviate with first line treatment
- MRI showing stenosis
8
Q
what does the surgery do
A
decompression to increase space for cauda equina
