ENHANCING CLINICAL EFFICACY AND NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION IN ATHLETES WITH LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS THROUGH PERCUTANEOUS INTERVERTEBRAL FORAMEN ENDOSCOPE BEIS CHANNEL TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the percutaneous intervertebral foramen endoscope BEIS channel technique in treating lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) among athletes, focusing on its impact on neurological function and recovery outcomes. Methods: A cohort of 86 athletic patients diagnosed with LSS and admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to March 2022 participated in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: 47 patients underwent the percutaneous intervertebral foramen endoscope BEIS channel technique (BEIS group), while 39 received conventional laminectomy for decompression and discectomy (control group). Metrics such as the length of surgical incision, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, and recovery outcomes were analyzed. Neurological and lumbar spine functions were assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, supplemented by the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) to evaluate pain and functional impairment pre- and post-operation. The clinical efficacy and rate of complications in both groups were also compared. Results: The BEIS group demonstrated significantly better outcomes with shorter incisions, less intraoperative bleeding, and reduced hospital stays compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, postoperative JOA and ASIA scores indicated improved neurological function in the BEIS group, and these patients reported lower VAS scores and ODI, suggesting less pain and better functional recovery (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications did not significantly differ between the groups, yet the BEIS group exhibited a higher rate of excellent surgical outcomes (P<0.05). Conclusion: The percutaneous intervertebral foramen endoscope BEIS channel technique is highly effective in treating LSS in athletes, offering significant advantages over conventional surgical methods. It not only enhances postoperative neurological and lumbar functions but also minimizes pain and functional disruptions, facilitating a quicker return to athletic activities. Further research is recommended to explore long-term outcomes and validate these findings in a broader athletic population.