Transforaminal endoscopic decompression for thoracic spinal stenosis under local anesthesia.

Area of Science:

• Minimally invasive spine surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Degenerative spine disease

Background:

• Thoracic spinal stenosis is a challenging degenerative vertebral condition.
• Transforaminal endoscopic decompression is established for lumbar issues but less studied in the thoracic spine.
• This report details its application in thoracic spinal stenosis.

Observation:

• An 88-year-old male presented with progressive bilateral lower extremity paralysis and dysesthesia.
• Diagnosis was thoracic spinal stenosis confirmed by physical examination.
• A two-step percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic thoracic decompression was performed.

Findings:

• The procedure successfully decompressed the spinal canal.
• A 1-year follow-up revealed a favorable clinical outcome.
• Transforaminal endoscopic decompression proved safe and effective for thoracic spinal stenosis.

Implications:

• This technique presents a viable surgical option for thoracic spinal stenosis.
• Accurate diagnosis and meticulous surgical planning are crucial for successful outcomes.
• Further research can validate this minimally invasive approach for thoracic spine conditions.