Abstract:Objective To explore the clinical outcomes and surgical techniques of visualized foraminal plasty in treatment of lumbar lateral recess stenosis.Methods The medical records of 52 patients who underwent surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis from January 2018 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All these cases were performed percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal decompression, including 30 males and 22 females, the age ranged from 63 ~ 77 years, with an average of (69.10 ± 10.70) years. The operative time and complications were recorded. The clinical outcomes were assessed by visual analogue scales (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and short form 36 (SF-36). The degree of decompression was evaluated by osseous and soft lateral recess angle. The clinical effects were evaluated by MacNab scores at last follow-up.Results The operation time ranged from 36 ~ 58 min, with an average of (43.60 ± 17.10) min. All patients were followed up for 24 ~ 33 months, with a mean of (26.70 ± 6.80) months. There were significant differences between preoperation and postoperative 1, 3, 6 and 12 month and last follow-up in leg pain VAS score (F = 259.16, P = 0.000) and ODI score (F = 162.06, P = 0.000). The SF-36 score at the last follow-up was (65.94 ± 8.75), statistically higher than the preoperative score (35.35 ± 11.85). The lateral recess angle between preoperation and postoperation was significantly different [(32.62 ± 4.67)° vs (17.90 ± 6.28)°, (28.31 ± 5.57)° vs (15.02 ± 6.52)°, P = 0.000]. There were 39 excellent cases, 10 good cases and 3 fair cases according to the modified MacNab criteria, and the excellent and good rate was 94.23% at last follow-up.Conclusion Visualized foraminal plasty in the treatment of lumbar lateral recess stenosis has obvious clinical outcomes and little influence on spinal stability. It is safe, effective and worthy of promotion.