The narrow lumbar spinal canal or lumbar spinal stenosis.

Narrow lumbar spinal canal or lumbar spinal stenosis is a not uncommon problem. Thirty-two patients with this disorder have been treated surgically at the Ochsner Medical Center between 1963 and 1973. The best method of diagnosis is a careful history and second is roentgenographic evidence, particularly the myelogram. The surgical treatment consists of total laminectomy and foraminotomy to insure complete decompression of the nerve roots. Eighteen patients have been followed from 14 to 44 months. Sixteen of the 18 considered their operations a success.