[[Foraminal stenosis]] frequently causes [[radiculopathy]] in [[lumbar]] degenerative spondylosis]]. Endoscopic [[transforaminal]] techniques allow for foraminal access with minimal tissue disruption. However, the effectiveness of [[foraminal]] decompression by endoscopic techniques has yet to be studied. 

Ewins evaluated radiographic outcome of endoscopic transforaminal foraminotomies performed at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 on cadaveric specimens. Before and after the procedures, three dimensional CT scans were obtained to measure [[foraminal height]] and area. Following the [[foraminotomy]], complete [[laminectomy]] and [[facetectomy]] were performed to assess for [[dural tear]]s or [[nerve root injury]]. L3-L4 preoperative foraminal height increased by 8.9%, from 2.12±0.13cm to 2.27±0.14cm (p<0.01), and foraminal area increased by 24.8% from 2.21±0.18cm(2) to 2.72±0.19cm(2) (p<0.01). At L4-L5, preoperative foraminal height was 1.87±0.17cm and area was 1.78±0.18cm(2). Endoscopic foraminotomies resulted in a 15.3% increase of foraminal height (2.11±0.15cm, p<0.05) and 44.8% increase in area of (2.51±0.21cm(2), p<0.01). At L5-S1, spondylitic changes caused diminished foraminal height (1.26±0.14cm) and foraminal area (1.17±0.18cm(2)). Postoperatively, foraminal height increased by 41.6% (1.74±0.09cm, p<0.05) and area increased by 98.7% (2.08±0.17cm(2), p<0.01). Subsequent inspection via a standard midline approach revealed one dural tear of an S1 nerve root. Endoscopic foraminotomies allow for effective [[foraminal decompression]], though clinical studies are necessary to further evaluate complications and efficacy
((Evins AI, Banu MA, Njoku I Jr, Elowitz EH, Härtl R, Bernado A, Hofstetter CP. 
Endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy. J Clin Neurosci. 2015 Apr;22(4):730-4. doi:
10.1016/j.jocn.2014.10.025. Epub 2015 Mar 2. PubMed PMID: 25744073.
)).