Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Decompression for Lumbar Lateral Recess Stenosis

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
• Spinal Endoscopy

Background:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and co-existing disc herniation present significant challenges.
• Facet joint and ligamentum flavum hyperplasia contribute to LSS.
• Nerve root compression requires effective decompression strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of multiple planar endoscopic decompression for lateral spinal stenosis.
• To assess the impact of nerve root decompression on patient outcomes.
• To analyze changes in intervertebral foramen area post-procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 52 patients undergoing transforaminal spinal endoscopy.
• Percutaneous transforaminal approach multiple planar endoscopic decompression.
• Comparison of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores pre- and post-operation.
• Measurement of intervertebral foramen areas.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in VAS and ODI scores at all postoperative follow-ups (P < 0.05).
• Intervertebral foramen area increased from 422.5 ± 159.2 mm² preoperatively to 890.8 ± 367.7 mm² postoperatively (P < 0.05).
• The procedure achieved accurate and effective decompression.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous transforaminal multiple planar endoscopic decompression is effective for lumbar lateral spinal canal decompression.
• The technique offers good short-term outcomes.
• This approach is particularly suitable for elderly patients with LSS.