Interspinous distraction procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis causing neurogenic claudication

Current evidence on interspinous distraction procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis causing neurogenic claudication shows that these procedures are efficacious for carefully selected patients in the short and medium term, although failure may occur and further surgery may be needed. There are no major safety concerns. Therefore, these procedures may be used provided that normal arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit.

Patient selection should be carried out by specialist spinal surgeons who are able to offer patients a range of surgical treatment options.