Spinal Stenosis at Lumbosacral Junction
摘要
Soft stabilization with ligament reconstruction leads to excellent outcomes in patients with spinal stenosis. However, it can be challenging to perform ligament reconstruction for the L5-S1 spinal level. Unlike spinous processes of the lumbar vertebra, the S1 spinous process is often short and fused. As such, there is a lack of a bony docking point caudally for the longitudinal ligament. To bypass this issue, we utilize the technique of “spinous-sacrum plasty” for ligament reconstruction at the lumbosacral junction. In this technique, a high-speed diamond burr is used to create a hole in the median sacral crest bilaterally. After confirmation of bone plasty and continuity of the passageway across both sides, the needle with attached longitudinal ligament is passed through the hole. Adequate tension in the ligament is checked and ligament reconstruction is performed. This technique is safe and effective for soft stabilization of the lumbosacral junction. However, caution should be exercised not to injure the dura during this procedure.