Lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication is a common condition and is the most common indication for spine surgery in patients over 65 years of age.

Interspinous spacers provide a less invasive surgical option for patients suffering from mild-to-moderate lumbar spinal stenosis with intermittent neurogenic claudication.

There is evidence of improvement in patient symptoms and outcomes at 1- and 2-year follow-up, but also a significant risk of needing reoperation (6%–85%).

There may be a role for interspinous spacers for the management of neurogenic claudication, but strictly for patients without evidence of spondylolisthesis, severe osteoporosis, or adjacent-level neural foraminal stenosis and patients with mild-to-moderate lumbar spinal stenosis that is relieved with flexion maneuvers.

Because the indications and contraindications are still unclear, future prospective study to identify the population that could most benefit from interspinous distraction is necessary.