To compare the clinical outcomes of bilateral laminectomy fusion (BLF) with total laminectomy and fusion (TLF) surgeries for patients with two-level lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).
Approach:
Study Design: A retrospective analysis of 124 patients treated with BLF or TLF between January 2023 and October 2025.
Data Collection: Data on clinical factors (VAS score, ODI, JOA score, MacNab criteria) and operation-related factors (hospital stay, operation time, blood loss, day to walk, complications) were collected and compared.
Key Findings:
No significant differences in demographic and preoperative clinical factors between BLF and TLF groups (P > 0.05).
BLF group had significantly reduced hospital stay, blood loss, and day to walk (P < 0.05).
BLF group showed better improvement in ODI, VAS score, and JOA score at follow-up compared to TLF group (P < 0.05).
Excellent/good rates (MacNab criteria) were 95% in BLF group and 91% in TLF group.
Complications included nerve root irritation and mild spinal epidural tear, with fewer occurrences in the BLF group.
Interpretation:
BLF may provide better clinical outcomes than TLF in patients with LSS.
Limitations:
The study is retrospective and conducted at a single center.
Further studies are needed to validate the findings.
Conclusion:
BLF may offer superior clinical outcomes compared to TLF for LSS patients, warranting further investigation.
