Comparison of bilateral decompression via unilateral laminotomy and conventional laminectomy for single-level degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis regarding low back pain, functional outcome, and quality of life - A Randomized Controlled, Prospective Trial

Fifty-four patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis were randomized to receive a bilateral decompression via unilateral laminectomy (BDUL) or a conventional laminectomy (CL). Outcomes of interest included lower back pain, leg pain and buttock pain as measured on an 11pt Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Mental and Physical Component Scales. Follow up was performed 6, 12 and 24 months post-operation. Results from the trial revealed no significant differences between the BDUL and CL groups in all outcomes at all time-points. Operative time was significantly longer in the BDUL group compared to the CL group.