19 - Full-endoscopic Transforaminal Spinal Canal Decompression for Degenerative Lumbar Central Stenosis

Purpose The study was to assess the efficacy and safety of full-endoscopic spinal canal decompression via transforaminal approach for degenerative lumbar central stenosis.

Method A total of 338 patients after the operation was retrospectively reviewed in a 5-year follow-up period. The clinical outcomes were assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Imaging outcomes, including the dural sac cross-sectional area (DSCA) on axial MRI, and intervertebral height to assess the lumbar stability and the changes in Cobb angles to assess the intervertebral range of motion, were also assessed.

Results From baseline to month 12, the leg VAS decreased from 7.65 ± 1.32 to 2.20 ± 1.14 (P < 0.001) and the lumbar VAS decreased from 5.83 ± 2.76 to 1.98 ± 1.54 (P < 0.001). The ODI decreased from 42.12 ± 3.46 to 10.14 ± 2.26 (P < 0.001). Axial MRI demonstrated that the DSCA increased from 0.48 ± 0.16 to 1.27 ± 0.12cm2 (P < 0.001). No differences were found in the intervertebral height and intervertebral range of motion (all P＞0.05).

Conclusions Full-endoscopic transforaminal spinal canal decompression showed promising outcomes for central lumbar stenosis in a 5-year follow-up period. It might be a safe and effective therapeutic option in patients with degenerative lumbar central stenosis.