Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.

Advanced degenerative multilevel disk disease of the lumbar spine with resultant spinal stenosis may lead to neurogenic intermittent claudication, which closely mimics claudication due to aortofemoral disease. Narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal, the lateral recesses and intervertebral foramina secondary to degenerative disk disease is brought about by hypertrophy of laminae, facet joints and ligamentum flavum, descent of the pedicles, posterior bony ridging and occasional disk herniation. The symptoms are elicited by lumbar lordosis and are relieved by lumbar flexion. Five patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis are presented. Decompressive laminectomy yields satisfying results, regardless of the advanced age of some of the patients, and allows normal ambulation.