Novel options for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: Minimally invasive lumbar decompression and other strategies

Abstract

As the population ages, spinal stenosis is becoming a more common condition. Often, elderly patients suffer from comorbidities that may increase the risks associated with general anesthesia or extensive surgeries. Unfortunately, with limited conservative treatment options, surgical decompression often becomes the only alternative. Recently a percutaneous minimally invasive lumbar decompression technique has emerged as a safe and highly successful therapeutic option for this group of patients. In this review, I present the current evidence in support of minimally invasive lumbar decompression as a novel therapeutic option for the growing population with lumbar spinal stenosis.