Microscopic Ventral Neural Decompression in Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Spinal Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Background:

• Extruded or sequestered disks can cause significant neurological deficits.
• Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is an established approach for lumbar interbody fusion.
• Microscopic visualization enhances surgical precision during spinal decompression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the surgical technique of ventral neural decompression with microscopic vision during OLIF.
• To evaluate the clinical and radiographic efficacy of this combined approach.
• To assess the safety and complication profile of the procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 12 patients undergoing ventral neural decompression via OLIF.
• Surgical decompression performed using microscopic visualization through the OLIF working corridor.
• Clinical outcomes assessed using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
• Radiographic parameters including disk height and segmental angle were measured.

Main Results:

• All procedures were completed successfully with low operative time and minimal blood loss.
• Postoperative MRI confirmed successful neural decompression.
• Significant improvements were observed in leg pain (VAS) and disability (ODI) (P < 0.01).
• Radiographic parameters showed significant improvement in disk height and segmental angle (P < 0.01).
• One case of endplate fracture occurred; no major neurovascular or dural injuries were reported.

Conclusions:

• Microscopic ventral neural decompression combined with OLIF offers a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with extruded or sequestered disks.
• The technique yields satisfactory clinical outcomes and functional recovery.
• The procedure is associated with a low rate of complications.