Degenerative narrowing of the canal compresses the spinal cord or the nerve roots and, in the lower back, causes the typical walking claudication.
Frequently asked questionsWidening the canal without removing the structures that narrow it.
By restoring disc height through a lateral or oblique route (XLIF, OLIF), the disc bulge is reduced and the ligaments re-tensioned, so the canal and foramina gain calibre without touching the back of the spine.
It is especially useful when stenosis comes with disc collapse, deformity or instability.
By restoring the height of the disc through a lateral or oblique route. As height is regained, the disc bulge is reduced and the ligaments are re-tensioned, so the canal and the foramina gain calibre without touching the back of the spine.
Yes. The height does not hold by itself: it is regained by replacing the disc with an implant introduced from the flank — this is what the XLIF and OLIF techniques do — and that implant is what keeps the segment at its new height.
It is especially useful when the stenosis comes with disc collapse, deformity or instability, because then a single manoeuvre solves several things at once: height, curve and the calibre of the canal.
Then regaining height is not enough and it has to be released directly, removing only the compressing tissue — thickened ligamentum flavum, part of the enlarged joint. That is canal recalibration, and it also preserves the elements that provide stability.
The information on this page is for guidance only and does not replace a personalised medical assessment. Whether any technique is indicated depends on each patient's examination and scans.
I review your scans and tell you frankly which option makes sense, including not operating.