Prospective Analysis of Biomechanical Changes in Gait and Posture Following Decompressive Laminectomy for Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (SLSS) is the leading cause of pain and mobility limitation in older adults and the most frequent indication for spinal surgery in patients over 65 years old. Despite a close link between the symptoms and trunk posture and walking, biomechanical assessment of gait and posture is lacking in this group of patients. Using our motion analysis laboratory and our innovative subject-specific musculoskeletal models, we are now investigating biomechanical factors affecting pain, posture, and walking capacity in SLSS patients. We have shown in our initial analyses how gait and posture are affected by symptoms and by surgical treatment (decompression laminectomy with or without spinal fusion). Going forward, we will investigate whether these changes can contribute to the postoperative improvement in patient-reported outcomes and walking capacity.