[Lumbar stenosis with scoliosis. Symptomatologic study and surgical treatment of 39 cases].

In 39 cases of narrowed lumbar spinal canal associated with a scoliosis, the authors have studied the role played by deviation of the spine and the origin of the narrowing. It seemed that central stenosis with intermittent claudication was more frequent when a scoliosis was present. In more than half of the cases, the level of the compression was at the junction of the curves. After failure of conservative treatment, the surgical procedure performed was the same as in straight spines. The results were satisfactory in 90 p. 100 as regards root involvement and intermittent claudication. However 7 patients had increased low back pain after surgery, 3 of them being disabled. In young patients with curves of more than 30 degrees with noticeable rotation, straightening with arthrodesis appeared to be worthwhile rather than simple posterior laminectomy. In other cases a posterior liberation of the cord associated with limited posterolateral fusion is indicated.