Calcitonin treatment in lumbar spinal stenosis: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The management of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) represents a significant cost to the healthcare system resulting from the functional limitations and diminished quality of life in patients. Calcitonin is presently indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget's disease, spine pain related to vertebral compression fractures, and spinal metastases. In spinal stenosis patients, it has been suggested to have both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this metaanalysis was to review the published randomized control trials to determine the effect of calcitonin on walking distance and Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) for pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis compared to placebo.