Penn Neurosurgical Spine Center: Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, the opening through which nerve roots and the spinal cord pass. Stenosis can develop in any area of the spine. This narrowing can cause back and neck pain as it places pressure on the nerve roots and/or spinal cord.
Symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis include pain or weakness in the arms causing dysfunction in the hands, gait difficulty and stiffness of the neck. Cervical spinal stenosis can be caused by arthritic changes in the neck, large disc herniations and bone spurs pushing on the nerves and spinal cord. Lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms include sciatica and a progressive limitation in walking ability due to weakness and numbness or pain in the legs. Symptoms include pain in the buttocks, thighs or calves that is worse with walking or exercise.
While it may affect a small group of younger patients due to a congenital condition, spinal stenosis is more often a condition that affects people age 40 and older. As many as 1.2 million Americans suffer from back and leg pain related to some type of spinal stenosis.
Sophisticated Diagnostic Techniques
Penn spine specialists are backed by the most extensive neurodiagnostic and imaging facilities in the region, as well as one of the nation’s foremost research programs in clinical and basic neuroscience. Patients are diagnosed utilizing the latest neuroradiological and electrodiagnostic techniques including high resolution MRI scanners, CT myelography, EMG and discography.
The Highest Quality Treatment with the Best Outcomes
Depending on the patient’s condition, there are several different treatment options for spinal stenosis:
- Non-surgical treatments include physical therapy and anti-inflammatory injections to reduce swelling and pain.
- Minimally invasive surgery including the X-Stop® method in which an implant is inserted through a small incision made in the patient’s back. This procedure is frequently performed under spinal (local) anesthesia.
- Open surgery including laminectomy, sometimes with fusion.
In keeping with its ongoing commitment to technologies at the forefront of neurosurgical innovation, Penn Neurosurgery recently introduced the Dynesys® system for dynamic stabilization of the lumbar spine. A new technology, the system was designed to treat patients with chronic, intractable pain due to degenerative lumbar compression and stenosis. Penn is currently the only health system in the area utilizing this method.
“Dynesys permits greater flexibility in the affected vertebra and a controlled range of motion, qualities that make it an ideal option for many patients,” said William C. Welch, MD, FACS, FICS, professor and chief of neurosurgery at Pennsylvania Hospital. Dr. Welch has particular expertise in neurosurgical procedures of the spine. His research includes designing and testing spinal implants and basic science applications of cellular regeneration for spinal use.
“The results with surgery are very good,” Dr. Welch continues. “About 90 percent of our patients have good to excellent results, with both pain relief and improvement in function.”
Nationally Recognized for Neurosurgical Spine Care
Neurosurgery at Penn is recognized nationally as a primary referral center for the treatment of neck and low back pain, spinal trauma, disc herniation syndromes, degenerative diseases of the spine, and tumors and infections of the spine. It is a regional and national leader in providing quality spine care utilizing a team approach, implementing the latest advances in techniques and technology, and utilizing both basic science and clinical research to improve patient care.
Comprehensive Spine Care Team
A targeted treatment plan is developed for each patient by a specialized team comprised of neurosurgeons, neurologists, rheumatologists, oncologists, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, radiologists and pain management specialists. This comprehensive, team approach to spine care ensures a thorough consideration of both surgical and non-surgical treatment of pain and neurological symptoms. Complex cases are discussed at weekly review conferences. The team collaborates to determine the precise diagnosis and most appropriate procedure for each patient's symptoms and works with psychologists, physical and occupational therapists and social workers to ensure well-rounded care for each patient.
For more information on spinal stenosis or any other spinal condition, call 800-789-PENN (7366) or visit the Penn Neurosurgical Spine Center web site.
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