Multi-level limited decompression by microendoscopic disectomy through posterior approach for treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis:a report of 18 cases

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of multi-level limited decompression with microendoscopic disectomy through posterior approach on lumbar spinal stenosis.Methods: Eighteen patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were managed by multi-level limited decompression with microendoscopic disectomy.The preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared with the postoperative scores,and the clinical effects were reviewed and analyzed.Results: There was significant difference in preoperative ODI and VAS compared with the postoperative scores (P<0.01).The follow-up lasted from 8 to 39 months.The evaluation by Nakai standard revealed that the outcome was excellent in 11 cases,good in 3 cases,fair in 3 cases and poor in 1 case.The rate of good results was 77.78%.Conclusions: Multi-level limited decompression by microendoscopic disectomy through posterior approach has the advantages of fewer traumas,less blood loss and better clinical outcome in treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.