A narrowed spinal canal producing neurogenic claudication, i.e., back, buttock, and/or leg pain induced by walking or standing and relieved by sitting. Symptoms are usually bilateral. Unlike vascular claudication, symptoms are provoked by standing without walking. Unlike lumbar disk disease, symptoms are relieved by sitting. Focal neurologic deficits common; severe neurologic deficits (paralysis, incontinence) rare. Stenosis results from acquired (75%), congenital, or mixed acquired/congenital factors.

• Symptomatic treatment adequate for mild disease
• Surgery indicated when medical therapy does not allow for activities of daily living or if focal neurologic signs are present. Most pts treated surgically experience relief of back and leg pain; 25% develop recurrent stenosis within 7-10 years.