Minimally invasive lumbar decompression—indications, surgical techniques, and outcomes

The treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, which afflicts millions of patients annually, has greatly evolved to include alternative surgical procedures other than a total laminectomy. Open decompressive procedures have led to satisfactory outcomes in randomized controlled trials; however, recent subgroup analyses have demonstrated complications from this approach. In the properly selected patient, a minimally invasive decompression, which preserves midline structures and limits soft tissue destruction, can improve upon these complications and lead to excellent clinical outcomes. The proper indications, techniques, and published outcomes of a minimally invasive lumbar decompression for spinal stenosis will be reviewed.