BACKGROUND: To discuss the strategy of suprapedicular foraminal endoscopic approach to lumbar lateral recess decompression and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this strategy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Complete clinical information of 52 cases of lumbar lateral recess decompression with therapy of suprapedicular foraminal endoscopic approach were analyzed during the period from February 2010 to April 2014 in the Third Hospital of Hebei. All patients were followed up for 24 months, and VAS, JOA, ODI, and LRD were compared between preoperative and postoperative therapy and changes of FA. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded and the safety of the surgery was evaluated. The surgical “excellent” and “good” rates were evaluated using MacNab score.

RESULTS: VAS scores for lumbago and leg pain at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery were significantly lower than before surgery (p<0.05). JOA scores at 12 and 24 months after surgery were significantly higher than before surgery (p<0.05). ODI at 12 and 24 months after surgery were significantly lower than before surgery (p<0.05). LRD after surgery was higher (p<0.05), and FA was lower than before surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Use of the suprapedicular foraminal endoscopic approach to lumbar lateral recess decompression is safe and effective, and this minimally invasive treatment can achieve satisfactory results, especially for elderly patients with complicated underlying diseases.

Keywords: Lumbar Vertebrae, Spinal Puncture, Spine