analysis at 50% inclusion showed 4 times larger reoperation rate in X-stop group

The purpose of this study is to compare two surgery methods on lumbar spinal stenosis: minimal invasive decompression and X-stop. It is a prospective randomized multicenter study including patients with lumbar spinal stenosis on one or two levels, and neurogenic intermittent claudication. Effect assessment will include measures of pain and self-evaluated health condition, a full economical evaluation, and areal measurements (MR imaging and roentgen analyses)

Inclusion Criteria:

• neurogenic intermittent claudication due to lumbar spinal stenosis
• diagnosed on MRI in maximum two levels
• walking distance on 250 metres
• symptom relief on flexion of the lumbar spine
• duration of the symptoms more than 6 months
• non-operative treatment is tried or considered as not indicated

Exclusion Criteria:

• vascular claudicatio intermittens
• spinal stenosis on more than 2 levels
• cauda equina syndrome
• severe paresis
• clinical monoradiculopathy
• grave scoliosis
• previous lumbar surgery
• degenerative spondylolisthesis more than 25%
• spondylolysis with listhesis
• osteoporotic fracture in lumbal column
• clinical and radiological (both) arthritis in the hip joint
• ASA >3
• verified polyneuropathy on neurophysiological test