J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2020 Oct;55(5):411-417. 10.4055/jkoa.2020.55.5.411.

Efficacy of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Decompression in Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis

• Lee JM
• Woo YH
• Yoo SH
• Kim YJ
• Seo JH
• Bae H

• KMID: 2507756
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2020.55.5.411

Abstract

Purpose
This paper reports the short-term clinical and radiological results of unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression (UBE) to prove its efficacy.
Materials and Methods
Twenty patients who received unilateral biportal endoscopic far-lateral decompression (UBEFLD) were analyzed statistically using the visual analogue scale (VAS), modified Macnab criteria and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) clinically. Radiologically, their intervertebral angle (IVA), percentage slip, disc height index (DHI) and foraminal height index (FHI) were analyzed pre- and postoperatively.
Results
The VAS scores were 6.20 preoperatively, which improved to 2.05, 1.75 and 1.45 at postoperative one month, three months and one year, respectively (p<0.001). The modified macnab criteria in both the good or excellent category was 70.0%, 80.0% and 85.0% at postoperative one month, three months and one year, respectively (p=0.034). The ODI improved from 59.8% preoperatively to 35.8%, 33.2%, and 17.1% at postoperative one month, three months, and one year, respectively (p<0.001). The IVA was increased 0.40±0.88 after a surgery (p=0.057). Percentage slip was increased 0.19% after surgery (p=0.134). The DHI changed from 0.49 preoperatively to 0.62 postoperatively (p=0.359), and the FHI changed from 0.71 preoperatively to 0.79 postoperatively (p<0.001).
Conclusion
UBEFLD displayed satisfactory results. Such a result highlights the potential of UBEFLD as an excellent alternative to spinal fusion or microscopic surgery.

Keyword

lumbar spine; foraminal stenosis; unilateral biportal decompression; efficacy