Summary

• Condition typically resulting from degenerative changes in the lumbar spine.
• Neurogenic claudication characterised by back and leg pain and lower extremity paraesthesia brought on by ambulation and relieved by sitting.
• Lumbosacral spine x-rays and CT scans show degenerative changes and possibly spondylolisthesis, but MRI is the best technique to show neural element compression in the spinal canal and foramina.
• Initially treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physiotherapy. Epidural corticosteroid injections may provide symptomatic relief.
• More severe or persistent symptoms that significantly interfere with function are likely to benefit from decompressive spinal surgery, possibly with fusion if there is degenerative spondylolisthesis or degenerative scoliosis.
• Neurological deficit including sensory or motor loss occurs in up to 30% of patients, and patients may experience severe morbidity from reduction in the ability to walk.