Comparison of microscope-assisted and microendoscope decompression for lumbar stenosis

Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of microscope-assisted with microendoscope decompression for the treatment of lumbar stenosis.Methods A prospective study was carried out and there were 275 cases of lumbar stenosis in this investigation.All cases were divided into two groups at random: the microscope-assisted group(137 cases) and microendo-scope group(138 cases).Operation time,operation information,curatire effect,complication and the stability of lumbar spine after operation were compared.261 patients were evaluated by ODI preoperative and 12 months postoperative,and by and bony union by fusion of intra-lumbar process fixation.All cases were followed the rate of general satisfaction to the operation as well.Results All cases had been successfully operated,8 cases in group B were turned to open operation.7 cases were suffered from rupture in each of two groups,which healed after corresponding treatment such as patch and compression packing.There were no other complications such as nerve root injury,infection.131 cases were followed up from 12 to 64(30 ± 1.1) months except 6 cases in group A.130 cases were followed up from 12 to 66(31 ± 1.5) months except 8 cases in group B.There were 4 cases suffered from spine instability in group B postoperative 5 years,which were achieved successful fusion.The standards Scoring System of Chinese Spinal Association(CSA) were used for investigation: The excellent and good rate was 93.1% in group A and 91.5% in group B.There was no significant differences between two groups(P 0.05).Conclusions Both the two methods can obtain the same satisfied results of therapy and have show advantages of minimal invasion,less blood loss,short operation time,less complications,less breakage of posterior column of lumbar spine.