Danlu Tongdu tablets treat lumbar spinal stenosis through reducing reactive oxygen species and apoptosis by regulating CDK2/CDK4/CDKN1A expression

Lumbar spinal stenosis is caused by the compression of the nerve root or cauda equina nerve by stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal or intervertebral foramen,and is manifested as chronic low back and leg pain.Danlu Tongdu(DLTD)tablets can relieve chronic pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis,but the molecular mechanism remains largely unknown.In this study,the potential molecular mechanism of DLTD tablets in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis was first predicted by the network pharmacology method.Results showed that DLTD functions in regulating anti-oxidative,apoptosis,and inflammation signaling pathways.Furthermore,the flow cytometry results showed that DLTD tablets efficiently reduced reactive oxygen species content and inhibited rat neural stem cell apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide.DLTD also inhibited the mitochondrial membrane potential damage induced by hydrogen peroxide.Elisa analysis showed that DLTD induced cell cycle-related protein,CDK2 and CDK4,and reduced CDKN1A protein expression level.Taken together,our study provided new insights of DLTD in treating lumbar spinal stenosis through reducing reactive oxygen species content,decreasing apoptosis by inhibiting CDKN1A and promoting CDK2 and CDK4 expression levels.

Is It Safe to Perform an Autologous Epidural Blood Patch on Patients with Underlying Spinal Stenosis or Lumbar Disc Disease? Case Report and Literature Review

The most common spinal pathology seen in the obstetric population is lumbar disc herniation. There is currently no literature documenting the safety of performing an epidural blood patch on obstetric patients with underlying spinal pathology. We present a case of a patient with known severe lumbar spinal stenosis with compressive radiculopathy who received a successful epidural blood patch without worsening her underlying neurologic symptoms. Epidural blood patches can be safely performed in this patient population. However, the anesthesiologist should be aware of the risk of potentially worsening preexisting neurological deficits. Thus, we advise caution prior to placing an epidural blood patch on these patients. The risks and benefits of the procedure should be carefully weighed and considered. It is important to have a thorough discussion with the patient regarding the risks of an epidural blood patch prior to performing the procedure.

Evaluation of degree of nerve root injury by dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential following lumbar spinal stenosis

BACKGROUND： Computed Tomography （CT） and Magnetic Resonance Imaging （MRI） can display the site of lumbar spinal stenosis and predict nervous compression at the morphological level; however, pure morphological changes cannot reflect functional alterations in a compressed nerve root. Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential （DSEP） provides a means to assess the functional state of a nerve root. OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the clinical significance of DSEP, assessing the degree of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A case-control study was performed in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hainan People＇s Hospital, China, between September 2004 and December 2007. PARTICIPANTS： Forty-seven patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis by CT or MRI were selected as the case group; fifty healthy subjects were collected as the control group. METHODS： A KEYPOINT myoelectric evoked potential apparatus （DANTEC Company, Denmark） was used to measure DSEP, and stimulative spots were determined in accordance with the skin key sensory spot standards established by The American Spinal Injury Association： L4 in the medial malleolus, L5 in the third metatarsophalangeal joint of the dorsum of foot and S1 in the lateral heel. The needle electrode used as the recording electrode was located at the Cz point of the cranium, and the reference electrode at the Fz point. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Latency of the P40 peak of DSEP, P1-N1 amplitude, P40 waveform and differentiation and disappearance of various waves. RESULTS： The sensitivity and diagnostic concurrence with surgery of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis evaluated by DSEP was 95.7 %. P40 latencies at L4, L5 and S1 in the case group were significantly longer than in the control group （P 〈 0.05）, and the P1-N1 amplitude in the case group was significantly lower than the control group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. Nerve root injury was categorized according to DSEP latency as follows： severe damage （disappearance of the P40 wave in 103 dermatomes）, moderate damage （prolongation of the P40 peak latency ≥ 3.0 times the standard deviation of the normal mean in 60 dermatomes） and mild damage （prolongation of the P40 peak latency ≥ 2.5 times the standard deviation of the normal mean in 31 dermatomes）. CONCLUSION： DSEP can be used to determine the severity of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis with high sensitivity and specificity.

Severe lumbar spinal stenosis combined with Guillain-Barrésyndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Guillain-Barrésyndrome(GBS)is a rare disorder that typically presents with ascending weakness,pain,paraesthesias,and numbness,which mimic the findings in lumbar spinal stenosis.Here,we report a case of severe lumbar spinal stenosis combined with GBS.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old man with a history of lumbar spinal stenosis presented to our emergency department with severe lower back pain and lower extremity numbness.Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of severe lumbar spinal stenosis.However,his symptoms did not improve postoperatively and he developed dysphagia and upper extremity numbness.An electromyogram was performed.Based on his symptoms,physical examination,and electromyogram,he was diagnosed with GBS.After 5 d of intravenous immunoglobulin(0.4 g/kg/d for 5 d)therapy,he gained 4/5 of strength in his upper and lower extremities and denied paraesthesias.He had regained 5/5 of strength in his extremities when he was discharged and had no symptoms during follow-up.CONCLUSION GBS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal disorder,even though magnetic resonance imaging shows severe lumbar spinal stenosis.This case highlights the importance of a careful diagnosis when a patient has a history of a disease and comes to the hospital with the same or similar symptoms.

Simulation of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Using the Finite Element Method

Lumbar spine stenosis(LSS)is a narrowing of the spinal canal that results in pressure on the spinal nerves.This orthopedic disorder can cause severe pain and dysfunction.LSS is a common disabling problem amongst elderly people.In this paper,we developed a finite element model(FEM)to study the forces and the von Mises stress acting on the spine when people bend down.An artificial lumbar spine(L3)was generated from CT data by using the FEM,which is a powerful tool to study biomechanics.The proposed model is able to predict the effect of forces which apply to the lumbar spine.In addition,FEM allows us to investigate the tests into the lumbar spine instead of applying the tests to the real spine in humans.The proposed model is highly accurate and provides precise information about the lumbar spine(L3).We investigate the behavior of humans in daily life which effects to the lumbar spine in a normal person and a patient with LSS.The computational results revealed high displacement levels around the spinal canal and lower displacement levels in the spinal body when bending down.The total displacement of the axial load in a normal person was higher when compared with patients with LSS.Higher degree bends resulted in a lower total displacement when compared with lower degree bends,while the von Mises stress decreased as the bending degree increased.

Observation on TCM syndromes effect of Shujinjianyao Pill in the Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (Ganshenbuzu and Fengshiyuzu Syndrome)

Objective:To observe the TCM(Traditonal Chinese Medcine)syndromes effect and safety of Shujinjianyao Pill in the treatment of LSS(Lumbar Spinal Stenosis)(Ganshenbuzu and Fengshiyuzu Syndrome).Methods:120 LSS patients fit the inclusion criteria were separated into two groups,90 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group.No significant difference was existed in the basic data between the two groups.The experimental group was given Shujinjianyao Pill and Danlutongdu Tablet Simulator orally,while the control group was given Shujinjianyao Pill Simulator and Danlutongdu Tablet orally for 4 weeks.The VAS score,total TCM(Traditonal Chinese Medcine)syndrome score and single TCM symptom score on day 0,14 and 28 were observed,and adverse reactions were recorded.Result:There were significant differences in total TCM syndrome score between the two groups at baseline,14 day and 28 day(P<0.01).There was a significant difference in total TCM syndrome score between the two groups at 28 day(P<0.05).Significant differences were existed between this two groups in total effective rate of total TCM syndromes and waist-knee pain-weak in single TCM syndromes on the 28 day(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Shujinjianyao Pill is effective on TCM syndromes in the treatment of Ganshenbuzu and fengshiyuzu syndrome LSS,especially in improving the score of total TCM syndromes and waist-knee pain-weak of single TCM syndrome,and has high safety.

Nonsurgical intervention for neuroclaudication due to lumbar spinal stenosis:Interpretation of the 2021 American Association for the Study of Pain Guidelines

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis(LSS)is the major cause of Neurogenic Claudication(NC).It is common in the elderly and has an increasing incidence.In 2021,the United States Association for the Study of Pain published new evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to provide more effective nonsurgical treatment of LSS-induced NC.Based on a thorough reading of the latest guidelines,combined with new clinical developments,and in collaboration with the 2011 North American Spine Society,NASS guidelines(hereinafter referred to as the 2011 Guidelines)were compared with the 2019 Danish Health Authority(DHA)Guidelines(hereinafter referred to as the 2019 Guidelines),and the clinical diagnosis and treatment of NC caused by LSS were reviewed and suggestions were put forward.

Technical Nuances of Minimal Invasive Interlaminar Decompression in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: The Role of Minimal Invasive Bilateral Approach

We report a series of patients operated for one or multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis (with and without spondylolisthesis) using the minimal invasive bilateral interlaminar decompression. We discuss our results, comparing this procedure (from a technical point of view) with the muscle-preserving interlaminar decompression (MILD) and the unilateral approach for bilateral decompression (ULBD). Clinical and outcome data of 62 consecutive patients were reviewed, using the Visual Analogue Scale for both low back pain (LBP) and legs pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for the degree of disability. Mean age was 68.88 ± 9.54 years and mean follow-up (FU) was 16.38 ± 11.12 months. A statistically significant improvement of LBP, legs pain and ODI was globally observed. At latest FU, patients with multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis significantly improved all scores and patients with spondylolisthesis significantly decreased their disability. No major complications occurred. Two cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collections were treated conservatively. No wound infection occurred. No progression of spondylolisthesis was observed. No reoperation was needed. Although efficacious in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, MILD and ULBD can have both some limitations. MILD has been found to decrease lumbar function in multilevel decompression (increasing sagittal translation and lumbar lordosis probably due to the removal of half of the spinous processes) and ULBD shows some disadvantages due to the difficulty of manipulating instruments through a small portal and the inadequate decompression due to a minimal exposure. The minimal invasive bilateral interlaminar decompression (in this technique, the access is bilateral but the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments and the spinous processes are preserved) allows wide access (bilateral exposure) with minimal invasiveness and very low morbidity in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis at one or more levels.

Comparison of Physical Therapy Follow-Up of Patients with Operated and Non-Operated Lumbar Spinal Stenosis According to the Nottingham Health Profile-Pain Scale

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) continues to be a major problem in societies, causing job loss and lowering quality of life. There are two types of treatment methods, physical therapy and surgery. If patients with LSS avoid treatment, they are likely to experience neurological deterioration in later years. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of physical therapy applied after decompression surgery or the effect of only applied physical therapy in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Materials and Methods: The results of the physical therapy follow-up of patients who had surgery and did not have surgery due to lumbar spinal stenosis between July 2014 and December 2019 were compared with each other. All patients received physical therapy for 6 months. Included were 42 patients who underwent decompression surgery due to LSS; 56 patients were not operated. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Nottingham Health Profile-Pain (NHP-Pain) scale at the initial, first, third and sixth months. The results were compared statistically. Results: The age of the operated patients was 54.69 ± 8.42 (39 - 71), while the non-operated patients were 59.16 ± 14.04 (34 - 83). There was no significant difference in the statistical comparison (p = 0.053). While the body mass index (BMI) of the operated patients was 29.43 ± 4.99 (21 - 40), the BMI of the non-operated patients was 28.84 ± 4.62 (22 - 42). There was no significant difference in the statistical comparison (p = 0.552). The scores of a 6-month physical therapy follow-up of patients were evaluated according to the NHP-pain scale. The values of patients who underwent surgery, initial - 1st month (p < 0.001), 1st month - 3rd month (p = 0.028), 3rd month - 6th month (p = 0.389) follow-up of the intervals were compared statistically. The values of non-operated patients, initial - 1st month (p = 0.008), 1st month -3rd month (p = 0.013), 3rd month - 6th month (p = 0.025) were compared statistically. Patients with and without surgery had significantly different initial pain scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The NHP-Pain scores of the patients undergoing physical therapy with the operation were shown to provide more significant improvement than the group receiving only the physical therapy. Patients with LSS should be treated with an operation to obtain the maximum benefit of physical therapy.

Transfacet approach decompression for thoracic spinal stenosis caused by anterior compression

Objective To study the efficiacy and safety of transfacet approach decompression to treat thoracic spinal stenosis caused by anterior compression. Methods Thirty-three patients with thoracic spinal stenosis caused by anterior

"Cave-in"technique: 360° circumferential decompression for thoracic spinal stenosis with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament

Objective To investigate the surgical techniqueand efficiency of the "Cave-in" 360° circumferential decompression for thoracic spinal stenosis(TSS)with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL).Methods From October 2005 to

Diagnosis and one stage surgical treatment of lower thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum combined with lumbar spinal stenosis

Objective To study the diagnosis and treatment of lower thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum(OLF) combined with lumbar spinal stenosis.Methods Retrospective analysis was carried out on 11 cases of lower thoracic OLF combined with

Surgical strategy to dural ossification of thoracic spinal stenosis

Objective To explore the surgical strategies of thoracic spinal stenosis with dural ossification.Methods One-hundred and eight patients with thoracic spinal stenosis were treated.Dural ossification was found in 29 cases during operation

Transpedicular osteotomy en bloc lamina resection for the treatment of thoracic spinal stenosis

Objective To study the safety and efficacy of transpedicular osteotomy en bloc lamina resection to treat thoracic spinal stenosis.Methods A retrospective study of 23 consecutive patients underwent transpedicular osteotomy en bloc lamina

Long-Term Outcome of Dynesys Dynamic Stabilization for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Background： Many clinical studies over the past decade have indicated positive outcomes for patients treated with Dynesys dynamic stabilization for lumbar degenerative disease. However, long-term outcomes of Dynesys for lumbar spinal stenosis are rarely reported. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis treated with Dynesys stabilization. Methods： Thirty-eight patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were treated with Dynesys stabilization from July 2008 to March 2010. The minimal duration of follow-up was 72 months. The patients were divided into stenosis and spondylolisthesis groups according to degenerative spondylolisthesis. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） and visual analog scale （VAS）. Radiographic evaluations included range of motion （ROM） and the disc heights of stabilized segments and the upper adjacent segments. We also evaluated the occurrence of radiographic and symptomatic adjacent segment degeneration （ASD）. Results： There were 23 patients in stenosis group and 15 patients in spondylolisthesis group. The ODl scores were significantly improved at the final follow-up evaluation, as compared to the baseline values （ 16.1± 5.7 vs. 57.2 ± 14.2, t = 61.4 l, P 〈 0.01 ）. The VA S scores for back and leg pain were significantly improved from 4.82 ±0.89 and 4.04 ± 0.82 preoperatively to 0.93± 0.61 and 0.54 ± 0.51 postoperatively （t = 6.59, P 〈 0.01, and t = 5.91, P 〈 0.01, respectively）. There were no differences between the two groups with respect to VAS and ODI scores. The ROM of stabilized segments decreased significantly from 7.8°± 2.4° to 4.5° ± 1.5° （t = 7.18, P 〈 0.05）, while the upper adjacent segments increased significantly from 8.3° ± 2.4° to 10.4° ± 2.4° （t = 2.87, P = 0.01）. The change in disc height of stabilized segments was not significant （11.9 ±2.1 preoperatively vs. 12.5 ± 1.5 postoperatively, t = 1.43, P = 0.15）, whereas the decrease in disc height of the upper adjacent segments was significant （12.5 ±2.0 preopcratively vs. 11.0 ± 1.7 postoperatively, t = 2.94, P = 0.01 ）. The occurrence of radiographic and symptomatic ASD was 16% （6/38） and 3% （1/38）, respectively. Conclusions： Decompression and Dynesys stabilization for lumbar stenosis with or without spondylolisthesis showed good long-term clinical and radiographic results. Lumbar stenosis with or without Grade I spondylolisthesis, particularly in patients 〈60 years of age with mild-to-moderate lumbar disc degeneration, would be one of the main indications for the Dynesys system.

Intraoperative ultrasonography in ＂cave-in＂ 360° circumferential decompression for thoracic spinal stenosis

The surgical outcomes of decompression for thoracic spinal stenosis （TSS） are unfavorable. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of intraoperative ultrasonography during ＂cave-in＂ 360~ circumferential decompression surgery in patients with TSS. Methods Thirteen patients with TSS underwent ＂cave-in＂ 360° circumferential decompression surgery between May 2010 and November 2010. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used after removal of the posterior wall of thoracic spinal canal to assess the morphologic restoration of the spinal cord and the anterior surface of the spinal canal. In seven patients, ultrasonography was used again after circumferential decompression to compare the cross-sectional area of the spinal cord before and after circumferential decompression. Results The average period of follow-up was （12±2） months （range 9-15 months）. The Japanese Orthopedic Association score was significantly higher at the final follow-up （8.5±2.1, range 3-10） than preoperatively （5.2±1.1, range 3-7; P 〈0.01）. The cross-sectional area of the spinal cord was （30.8±6.6） mm2 before and （53.6±19.1） mm2 after circumferential decompression （P 〈0.01）. For five patients with TSS caused by thoracic disc herniation, the levels of circumferential decompression performed corresponded to those expected preoperatively. In contrast, for eight patients with TSS caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, on average 1.6±0.9 fewer levels of circumferential decompression were performed than expected preoperatively. Conclusions ＂Cave-in＂ 360° circumferential decompression is an effective therapeutic option for TSS. Intraoperative ultrasonographic evaluation may reduce the levels of circumferential decompression and ensure sufficient decomoression, and increase the efficacy of this surqical technique.

Evaluations of Computed Tomography Images and Lumbar Specimens in Mimic Operations of Transverse Rotation Laminoplasty for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Background：Laminectomy is a major method to treat lumbar spinal stenosis （LSS）,but it has lots of flaws such as scar tissue can form around the dura again or spinal instability.This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of transverse rotation laminoplasty （TRL） in the treatment of LSS.Methods：The mimic operations of TRL were performed both in the computerized image processing and on the lumbar specimen.Computed tomography （CT） images were either collected from 80 clinical patients with complaints of lumbago or obtained from 40 sets of lumbar specimens after rebuild of spinal canals.In the CT image processing the heights of the spinous process and laminae at L3-L5 were measured.The total length of the spinous process plus one side laminae after the operation was evaluated and compared with the length of inner margin of pedical before the operation.The areas of the vertebral canal were examined before and after the operation.Results：In the CT images,the height of spinous process of L3,L4 and L5 was 24.74 ± 3.45,22.68 ± 5.96 and 21.54 ± 4.12 mm respectively,and that of laminae was 23.66 ± 2.32,22.68 ± 5.36 and 20.99 ± 3.67 mm respectively （P 〉 0.05）.Distance of inner border of pedical of L3,L4 and L5 was 23.01 ± 6.59,24.65 ± 5.54 and 26.03 ± 7.34 mm respectively,and length of spinous process with laminae of those was 29.76 ± 4.91,29.31 ± 6.43 and 32.53 ± 5.76 mm respectively （P 〈 0.05）.Preoperative area of spinal canals of L3,L4 and L5 was 299.81 ± 10.09,297.66 ± 9.54 and 308.22 ± 10.04 mm2 respectively,and postoperative area was 480.01 ± 9.33,487.32 ± 8.65 and 501.03 ± 9.12 mm2 respectively （P 〈 0.05）.In the human lumbar vertebrae specimen,the data similar to the former.Conclusions：The excised canal posterior was covered,and the lumbar canals enlarged by TRL.The TRL provided a new alternative in the treatment of LSS.

Correlation study between the changes of motor evoked potential and the improvement of spinal canal volume in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Objective:To analyze the correlation between the amplitude changes of motor evoked potential(MEP),the 3D volume changes of spinal canal measuring by postoperative CT and the improvement rate of clinical symptoms after the spinal canal decompression in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(MIS-TLIF),and to explore the predictive value of the changes of both MEP amplitude and spinal canal volume in the assessment of long-term clinical prognosis in MIS-TLIF.Methods:A retrospective study of 68 patients with L4/5 spinal stenosis treated with MIS-TLIF was performed.The changes of both intraoperative MEP amplitude and 3D spinal canal volume during the spinal canal decompression,as well as the visual analogue scale(VAS)and Oswestry dysfunction index(ODI)scores in the long-term follow-up were all recorded.Results:The values of intraoperative MEP amplitude was 159.04%higher in 68 patients with MIS-TLIF after spinal canal decompression(P<0.01).The 3 postoperative 3D spinal canal volume(4.89±1.27)cm increased by 31.22%in comparison 3 with preoperative date(3.78±1.08)cm(P<0.01).The VAS and ODI scores were improved to 78.55%and 80.60%,respectively at the last follow-up(P<0.01).The improvement rate of MEP amplitude on the decompression side was positively correlated with the improvement rate of postoperative spinal canal volume(r=0.272,P=0.025).The improvement rate of postoperative spinal canal volume was positively correlated with the improvement rate of VAS and ODI at the last follow-up(r=0.656,r=0.490,P<0.01).Moreover,the improvement rate of MEP amplitude on the decompression side was also positively correlated with the improvement rate of VAS and ODI at the last follow-up(r=0.322 and 0.235,respectively,P<0.05).Conclusion:The increase of MEP amplitude after spinal canal decompression in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis treated by MIS-TLIF was closely correlated with both of the increase of spinal canal volume and the improvement of clinical symptoms.Therefore,MEP amplitude monitoring was not only the one of the important monitoring methods for predicting the prognosis of MIS-TLIF but also the reliably predictive value in the long-term clinical prognosis in MIS-TLIF.

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula 8 years after lumbar discectomy surgery: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula(SDAVF)is an extremely rare vascular malformation of the central nervous system that is often confused with degenerative spinal disorders due to similar early symptoms and clinical features.Here,we report a case of SDAVF recurrence 8 years after lumbar spine surgery and summarize relevant literature.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old male was admitted to our hospital complaining of lower back pain,numbness in both lower extremities and intermittent claudication.Subsequent imaging identified lumbar spinal stenosis.Following surgical treatment,the patient’s symptoms significantly resolved,and he was able to perform daily activities.However,similar symptoms appeared 8 years later,followed by confirmation of SDAVF diagnosis.The patient underwent neurosurgery 7 mo after symptom onset.The follow-up period lasted 14 mo,and the patient remains with marginal neurological symptoms.CONCLUSION This case highlights the importance of prompt SDAVF diagnosis.Due to its nonspecific clinical presentation,the clinical experience of the surgeon and definitive imaging examination are indispensable.Additionally,timely neurosurgery is effective and may significantly improve patient outcomes.

Histological difference in ligament flavum between degenerative lumbar canal stenosis and non-stenotic group:A prospective,comparative study

BACKGROUND Ligament flavum(LF)hypertropy is the main etiopathogenesis of lumbar canal stenosis(LCS).The purely elastic LF undergoes a morphological adaptation including a reduction in the elastic fibers and a consequent increase in the collagen content,fibrosis,cicatrization,and calcification.However,the morphometric analysis can delineate the LF in patients with LCS from those without LCS,which would help in better understanding LCS pathogenesis.AIM To compare the histopathological changes in LF between the degenerative LCS and non-stenotic(non-LCS)group.METHODS The present prospective study was conducted in 82 patients who were divided into two groups,namely LCS and non-LCS.Demographic details of the patients such as duration of symptoms,level of involvement,and number of segments were recorded.The LF obtained from both groups was histopathologically examined for the fibrosis score,elastic fiber degeneration,calcification,and chondroid metaplasia.Morphometrical details included a change in elastin and collagen percentages,elastin/collagen ratio,elastic fiber fragmentation,and ligamentocyte numbers.All parameters were compared between the two groups by using the independent t test,Chi-square test,and Pearson’s correlation test.RESULTS Out of 82 cases,74 were analysed,34 in LCS and 40 in non-LCS group.The mean±SD age of presentation in LCS and non-LCS group was 49.2±8.9 and 43.1±14.3 respectively.The LCS group(n=34)exhibited significant differences in fibrosis(P=0.002),elastic fiber degeneration(P=0.01),%elastic fragmentation(66.5±16.3 vs 29.5±16.9),%elastic,content(26.9±6.7 vs 34.7±8.4),%collagen content(63.6±10.4 vs 54.9±6.4),reduction of elastic/collagen(0.4±0.1 vs 0.6±0.1),and ligamentocyte number(39.1±19.1 vs 53.5±26.9)as compared to non-LCS group(n=40).The calcification(P=0.08)and Pearson’s correlation between duration and loss of elastin was not significant.The difference in LF morphology is consistent in patient’s≥40 years of age among the groups as found in subgroup analysis.Similarly in the patents<40 and>40 in the non-LCS group.CONCLUSION LF is vital in the pathogenesis of LCS.The purely elastic LF undergoes a morphological adaptation that includes a reduction in the elastic fibers with a consequent increase in the collagen content,fibrosis,cicatrization,and calcification.The present study provides a detailed morphometric analysis to semiquantitatively delineate the LF changes in patients with LCS from those in patients without LCS.