The surgical treatment of nerve root compression caused by scoliosis of the lumbar spine.

Twenty patients with radicular compression caused by scoliosis of the lumbar spine with attendant spondyloarthrosis have been relieved of pain with restoration of function following surgical decompression. The stenosis caused by arthropathy is alleviated by foraminotomy and facetectomy after laminectomy over multiple levels along the concavity of the scoliotic curve. The spinous processes and attached ligaments are reconstructed to maintain the normal intermuscular septum contributing to stability. The clinical features are described with documentation by means of radiographic studies, myelography, and CAT scanning in all patients. In addition, the histopathologic findings of the facets removed at the time of surgery are described and the relationship of these findings to the symptomatology is indicated. The long-term results have been gratifying, supporting the efficacy of this means of therapy.