Iversen MD, Katz JN
Examination findings and self-reported walking capacity in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. [Journal Article]
Phys Ther 2001 Jul; 81(7):1296-306.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spinal stenosis is a common, often disabling, condition resulting from compression of the cauda equina and nerve roots. This study was designed to: (1) characterize the impairments of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and (2) to identify predictors of self-reported walking capacity.
SUBJECTS: Forty-three patients with symptomatic LSS, from 3 specialty clinics, were evaluated. Twenty-eight subjects (65%) were female. The subjects' median age was 73.6 years (mean=72.4, SD=10.3, range=45.7-90.7), and the median duration of low back pain was 24 months (mean=36.6, SD=41.6, range=0-216).
METHODS: Demographic data, medical history, and information about low back pain and symptoms (eg, numbness, tingling, and lower-extremity weakness) were collected using a standardized questionnaire and physical examination.
RESULTS: Twenty-two subjects (51%) had lower-extremity weakness, primarily of the extensor hallucis longus muscle. Thirty-five subjects (81%) had absent or decreased neurosensory responses (eg, pinprick, vibration, reflexes), and 28 subjects (66%) reported that they were unable to walk farther than 2 blocks. Women were more likely than men to report difficulties walking, as were subjects with abnormal Romberg test scores and those with greater pain during walking.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Pain and balance problems appeared to be the primary factors limiting ambulation in our subjects with LSS.
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