Abstract
Object. When performing surgery, the extraforaminal window is very narrow at the L5-S1 level. The authors describe a microsurgical method for decompression of the L-5 nerve root trapped between a marginal osteophyte of the vertebral body and the transverse process. The procedure was performed in 16 patients with extraforaminal stenosis. Methods. The cranial part of the L5-S1 facet joint and the caudal portion of the pedicle and transverse process of L-5 were removed via a midline skin incision and partial resection of the pars interarticularis; a high-speed drill was used as was a surgical microscope. The affected nerve root was decompressed and mobilized cranially. Postoperatively all patients reported excellent relief of their sciatic pain, and there were no technique-associated complications. There was no recurrence during the follow-up period, that ranged from 14 to 70 months. Conclusions. The authors recommend this technique for the effective decompression of symptomatic extraforaminal L5-S1 stenosis. The need for a dangerous and tedious removal of the vertebral osteophyte together with spinal fusion is avoided.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 264-270 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Neurosurgery |
Volume | 98 |
Issue number | 3 SUPPL. |
Publication status | Published - 2003 Apr 1 |
Keywords
- Extraforaminal stenosis
- Lumbar spondylosis
- Lumbosacral spine
- Microsurgery
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Clinical Neurology