Acta Neurochirurgica (2025) 167:139
The document discusses a minimally invasive surgical technique for decompressing lumbosacral extraforaminal stenosis, known as “far-out syndrome,” focusing on the L5 nerve root. It highlights the procedure, indications, potential complications, and the importance of specific imaging techniques for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
• The study focuses on minimally invasive surgical decompression for lumbosacral extraforaminal stenosis, known as “far-out syndrome”.
• Accurate diagnosis is challenging due to unique anatomical characteristics, requiring oblique coronal MR imaging for detection.
• The procedure involves a paraspinal approach using a tubular retractor to decompress the L5 nerve root.
• Adequate decompression requires the resection of the L5 lower vertebral body bony spur, transverse process, and sacral ala.
• Key surgical landmarks include the transverse process, sacral ala, and superior articular process, which are drilled to relieve nerve compression.
• Common symptoms include unilateral leg pain, weakness, and neurogenic claudication, often presenting unilaterally.
• Surgical indications involve unilateral radiating leg pain resistant to conservative management and MRI evidence of extraforaminal compression.
• Complications can be avoided by ensuring adequate decompression and removing ventral bony spurs.


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