Objective To investigate the relationship between the expressions of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF?1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the ligamentum luteum in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and restenosis after decompression. Methods 138 LSS patients underwent lumbar decompression were selected, including mild group [absolute claudication distance (ACD) ≤ 200 m, 41 cases], moderate group (ACD 201 ~ 400 m, 67 cases) and severe group (ACD > 400 m, 30 cases), and 138 non?LSS patients were selected as control group. The expressions of FGF?1 and VEGF in ligamentum flavum were detected, and the restenosis was measured after the operation. Results The expression of FGF?1 in LSS group was lower than that in control group (P < 0.001), and the expression of VEGF was higher than that in control group (P < 0.001). The expression of FGF?1 in severe group was lower than that in moderate and low degree groups (P < 0.05), and the expression of VEGF was higher than that in moderate and low degree groups (P < 0.05). Severe spinal stenosis, incomplete decompression and high expression of VEGF were risk factors for restenosis after lumbar decompression in patients with LSS (P < 0.05,P < 0.001), and FGF?1 was protective factor (P < 0.05). Conclusion FGF?1 expression decreased and VEGF expression increased in ligamentum flavum of LSS patients, which was related to the degree of spinal canal stenosis and postoperative restenosis.