The Relationship Between Bone Formation and Functional Status in Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Abstract

Objective: the aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between bone formation and functional status in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Material and Methods: Sixty patients (range 45 to 65 years) diagnosed with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis and 30 age-and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the subjects included in the study was measured from the lumbar vertebra and proximal femur. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and 24-hour urinary calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels were tested to assess bone metabolism. the functional status of patients was evaluated with the modified Oswestry disability index (mODI) and Swiss spinal stenosis questionnaire (SSSQ). Results: the mean age of the patient and control groups was different but not significant. No statistically significant difference was found between the patient and the control groups in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and 24-hour urinary Ca and P values. Mean BMD values measured from the lumbar vertebra and proximal femur were significantly lower in patients with LSS. in the patient group, the mean mODI score was 42.28 +/- 3.1. Mean SSSQ pain scale score was 3.34 +/- 0.2, whereas the mean functional status score was 2.35 +/- 0.2. There was no statistically significant relationship of mODI with bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels. the pain and functional status scales of the SSSQ had no significant correlation with bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Conclusion: in this study, we determined that LSS has a negative impact on the functional status of patients, does not influence bone metabolism, and decreases BMD.