Cost-effectiveness of Small Size Interarcuair Decompression Versus Extended Decompression in Patients With Intermittent Neurogenic Claudication

A median lumbar incision is made and the paravertebral muscles are dissected subperiosteally and retracted unilaterally or bilaterally. Decompression will be applied via decompression of the ligamentum flavum. The lateral recess will be opened bilaterally and a medial facetectomy will be performed in order maintain stability of the segments. Posterior ligaments will be spared. The wound will be closed in layers with or without a suction drain. Patients will be operated with a loupe magnification or microscope depending on the surgeon's preference.

A median lumbar incision is made over the spinous processes, the laminae of the affected level(s) are exposed subperiosteally, and the supraspinous ligament will be incised. The spinous process is removed. The supra and interspinous ligament of the affected level is removed by drill or Kerrison punches. The lamen is removed of the affect level, leaving the facet joint intact. The lateral recess will be opened bilaterally and medial facetectomy will be performed in order to maintain stability of the segments. When a single level stenosis is present (e.g. L4-L5) both laminae L4 and L5 will be removed. The wound will be closed in layers with or without a suction drain. Patients will be operated with loupe magnification or microscope depending surgeon's preference.