ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the indication, surgical techniques and clinical effect of micro-endoscope discectomy (MED)in treating senile lumbar nerve root canal stenosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2007 to October 2010,56 patients with lumbar nerve root canal stenosis were treated with discectomy and decompression through micro-endoscope. There were 38 males and 18 females,aged 61 to 76 years old with an average of (64.53+/-4.43) years old. Course of disease was from 6 months to 15 years. According to JOA 29 score system,the function was evaluatd before and after operation,including subjective symptom, objective sign and bladder function. At 1,3,6,12 months after operation, according to X-rays examination to analyze, the clinical effects were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fifty-one patients were followed up from 1 to 12 months. At 1,3,6,12 months after operation,JOA score improved from preoperative 13.46+/-2.02 to 23.13+/-1.86,23.54+/-2.39,24.66+/-1.57,24.83+/-1.74,respectively;and the rate of excellent and good was 83.92% ,90.74%,95.42% ,92.15% ,respectively. There was statistical significance in JOA score between preoperative and final follow-up (P<0.05). No lumbar instability sign was found by X-rays examination.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Nerve root canal decompression through micro-endoscope discectomy for the treatment of senile lumbar nerve root canal stenosis is an effective procedure,which has the advantages of less traumatic,rapid recovery,but selection of indication and accurate operation are main keys.</p>
