Interspinous Spacers as Treatment for Lumbar Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common degenerative spine disease in the elderly. Interspinous spacers have been used recently to treat LSS, either as “stand-alone” implants or to supplement open decompression. There are indications for interspinous spacer use outside of LSS; however, published reports are lacking. There are few short-term complications, and implantation is technically simple and can often occur under local anesthesia in ambulatory conditions. Thus, use of the procedure could rapidly become widespread without sufficient evidence-based recommendations. This article offers an overview of indications and effectiveness of interspinous spacers, particularly regarding LSS/neurogenic intermittent claudication.