Week 3 - Spinal Stenosis and Claudication

Question 1

what is spinal stenosis?

Answer 1

loss of space for the cauda equina causing compression/irritation of multiple nerve roots

Question 2

name 5 possible causes of spinal stenosis?

Answer 2

spondylitis
bulging discs
bulging ligamentum flavum
osteophytosis

Question 3

who usually gets spinal stenosis?

Answer 3

over 60 y/o

Question 4

what is the most characteristic symptom of spinal stenosis?

Answer 4

claudication in the legs

Question 5

how does claudication due to spinal stenosis differ to that caused by peripheral vascular disease?

Answer 5

the distance which causes symptoms is inconsistent
the pain is burning rather than cramping
pain is less walking uphill
pedal pulses are preserved

Question 6

how is spinal stenosis treated?

Answer 6

conservative management - physiotherapy, weight loss

decompression surgery - if symptoms don’t improve with conservative management and there is MRI evidence of stenosis