Arthroscopic-assisted uni-portal spinal surgery technology in the treatment of far-out syndrome: A case report and literature review

This study presents the case of a male patient in his early 50s who was admitted with complaints of "recurrent low back pain accompanied by radiating pain in the left lower extremity for 3 years, with exacerbation over the past month." Physical examination indicated that his symptoms were due to compression of the left L5 nerve root. Imaging findings corroborated the diagnosis of far-out syndrome secondary to left L5 nerve root compression caused by lateral osteophyte hyperplasia of the L5 and S1 vertebrae. Arthroscopic-assisted uni-portal spinal surgery was performed to treat the condition, during which the hyperplastic osteophytes were resected to achieve complete decompression of the affected nerve root. The patient showed significant symptomatic improvement postoperatively. At the 6-month follow-up, there was no recurrence, and his muscle strength and sensation had fully recovered. This case report aimed to provide a feasible minimally invasive alternative for the diagnosis and management of patients with similar conditions.