Efficacy of visualized reamer foraminoplasty in transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy: a retrospective controlled study

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the efficacy and safety of visualized reamer foraminoplasty vs. the traditional TESSYS technique in transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods: = 70). Perioperative parameters (operative time, fluoroscopy frequency), clinical outcomes [Visual Analog Score (VAS) for back/leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)] were assessed preoperatively and at 1 day, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Peri-operative complications were recorded. Subgroup analyses were performed. Results: > 0.05). Conclusion: The visualized reamer technique significantly enhances perioperative efficiency and early pain control in TELD, with comparable mid-term efficacy to the TESSYS technique. Its benefits are consistent across diverse patient populations, supporting its broad applicability.