Abstract: Understanding of the importance of posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) has gradually deepened.Complications of traditional posterior approach and internal fixation have become increasingly apparent.Decompression and stabilization with less trauma has becomea popular research area in spinal surgery.Oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) performed well on lumbar spondylolisthesis ofⅠ/Ⅱ degree,mild spinal stenosis and degenerative scoliosis.However,an obvious disadvantage of OLIF is that it cannot achieve satisfactory decompression of the spinal canal.Although hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum and articular processes are important factors of spinal stenosis,these structural changes are responsive to spinal degenerations and can increase spinal stability.Only two or more anatomical factors at the same time can cause LSS,and nerve decompression can be achieved after removing compressive factors in any direction.Based on the above theory,we reviewed three cases diagnosed with LSS and decompressed with usage of spinal endoscopes and angled drills,and discs and posterior osteophytes were removed through the oblique lateral approach.This article discusses the theory and techniques of this surgery.

Key words: canal decompression, spinal endoscopes, intervertebral fusion, lumbar oblique lateral approach