Feasibility of enlarging the ventral space by using a drill under spinal endoscopy in the treatment of severe free lumbar disc herniation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the clinical efficacy of spinal endoscopy in the treatment of severe free lumbar disc herniation and explore the feasibility and application of microscopic drills to expand ventral space.@*METHODS@#Thirty patients with severe free lumbar intervertebral disc herniation treated by spinal endoscopic technique from April 2019 to March 2021 were collected, including 19 males and 11 females;aged from 19 to 76 years with an average of (44.03±16.92) years old. All patients had a single segmental lesion with prolapse of the nucleus pulposus. Among them, there were 3 cases on L2,3, 3 cases on L3,4, 15 cases on L4,5, and 9 cases on L5S1. During operation, posterior bone of vertebral body and pedicle notch were removed by a drill under the endoscope to enlarge the ventral space. And the free nucleus pulposus was exposed and completely removed. The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, hospital stay and postoperative neurological complications were recorded, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared before operation, 2 days, 3 months and 1 year after operation, and Macnab standard was used to evaluate clinical efficacy.@*RESULTS@#All operations were successful and the free nucleus pulposus was completely removed. Pain in the lower back and legs was significantly relieved on the day after operation. Two patients experienced transient pain and numbness in lower limbs after operation, and no serious nerve injury complications occurred. ODI and VAS at each time point after surgery were significantly lower than those before surgery (P<0.01), and JOA score was significantly higher than before surgery (P<0.01). The excellent and good rates of Macnab were 66.67% (20/30), 83.33% (25/30) and 90.00% (27/30) on 2 days, 3 months and 1 year after operation, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#For severe free lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, using of a drill under endoscope to expand the ventral space can smoothly remove the free nucleus pulposus and avoid nerve damage.

Comparison of clinical efficacy between percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy and coblation nucleoplasty in the treatment of inclusive lumbar disc herniation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) and target radioffrequency thermal coblation nucleoplasty(CN) on inclusive lumbar disc herniation(LDH) in different age groups, and provide a basis for clinical formulation of precise and individualized treatments.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis of 219 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with PETD and CN between January 2018 and June 2021 was performed, in which 107 patients were treated with PETD and 112 with CN. Patients were stratified by age into young group(≤45 years old), middle-aged group(>45 years old and <60 years old) and older group(≥60 years old). Before treatment, 3 days, 1 month and 6 months after treatment, visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, infrared thermal imaging temperature difference (△T) and lumbar range of motion (ROM) were evaluated and clinical efficacy were compared in the different age groups between two treatment methods.@*RESULTS@#①VAS and JOA score outcomes, in the same age group and the same treatment method, the VAS and JOA scores at different time points postoperatively were obviously improved (P<0.05). For the same age group and the different treatment methods, the older group had lower VAS and higher JOA scores after PETD than after CN (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the young group and middle-aged group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS and JOA scores at the same time between age groups by PETD treatment (P>0.05). The VAS was higher and the JOA score was lower in older group than in young group and middle-aged group at 1, 6 months after CN treatment(P<0.05). ②△T and ROM outcomes, in the same age group and same treatment method, postoperative △T and ROM at different time points were obviously improved(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in △T between two methods of PETD and CN at the same age(P>0.05), there was no significant difference in ROM between young group and middle-aged group(P>0.05), ROM was higher after PETD treatment than after CN treatment(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in △T and ROM at the same time between age groups by PETD treatment(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in △T between age groups by CN treatment, but the ROM was smaller in older group than in young group and middle-aged group after CN treatment(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Both PETD and CN for inclusive LDH have good efficacy, the curative benefit for older patients receiving PETD within 6 months after surgery more than CN, and CN is more appropriate for young and middle-aged patients.

Visual trephine arthroplasty assisted percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy between visual trephine arthroplasty assisted percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (VPTED) and traditional percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy(PTED) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 60 patients with lumbar disc herniation admitted from June 2019 to December, 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 38 males and 22 females, aged from 26 to 58 years old with an average of (43.63±8.48) years, 47 cases were on L4,5 segment and 13 cases were on L5S1 segment. Among them, 32 were treated with VPTED (group A) and 28 were treated with traditional PTED (group B). The general conditions of all the patients were recorded, including intraoperative fluoroscopy times, operation time, hospital stay and surgical complications during follow-up. The arthroplasty area ratio was observed by sagittal CT at the middle level of the intervertebral foramen. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score of low back pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy between two groups.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up from 9 to 15 months with an average of (12.10±1.16) months. There was no statistical difference of preoperative general data between two groups. The operation time, fluoroscopy times and hospital stay were (70.47±5.87) min, (13.66±1.34) times and (6.31±0.69) d in group A, and (90.71±7.66) min, (22.82±2.48) times and (6.54±0.92) d in group B. The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times in group A were lower than those in group B(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in hospital stay between two groups (P>0.05). No obvious surgical complications were found during the follow-up in both groups. The arthroplasty area ratio in group A was (29.72±2.84)% and (29.57±2.20)% in group B, respectively, with no significant difference (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS, ODI and JOA score between two groups before operation and at the final follow-up(P>0.05), but the final follow-up was significantly improved(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The two surgical methods have definite clinical efficacy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Visual trephine arthroplasty assisted percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy has the advantages of high efficiency and rapidity when establishing the channel, and can significantly reduce the operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times.

Treatment of degenerative lumbar lateral recess stenosis with full endoscopic lamina fenestration discectomy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy of full endoscopic lamina fenestration discectomy (Endo-LOVE) with full endoscopic transforaminal approach discectomy in the treatment of degenerative lumbar lateral recess stenosis.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis of 48 patients with degenerative lumbar lateral recess stenosis between March 2018 and March 2019 was performed. There were 32 males and 16 females, aged from 60 to 83 years old with an average of (72.9±6.5) years, course of disease ranged from 5 to 16 years with an average of (8.0±2.8) years. The patients were divided into observation group and control group according to surgical approaches. There were 28 cases in observation group, underwent Endo-LOVE surgery;and 20 cases in control group, underwent full endoscopic foraminal approach discectomy. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization day and complications were observed between two groups. Visual analgue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA), Oswestry Disability Index(ODI), lateral crypt angle were compared between two groups. And clinical effects were evaluated by modified Macnab standard.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in follow-up and operation time between two groups (P>0.05). Intraoperative blood loss was from 5 to 15 ml with an average of (8.4±3.6) ml in observation group and 5 to 25 ml with an average of (11.5±5.4) ml in control group. The hospitalization day was from 5 to 8 days with an average of (6.0±1.0) days in observation group and 6 to 9 days with an average (7.2±1.1) days in control group. Intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization day were significantly lower in observation group(P<0.05). There were no serious complications in both groups. The VAS, JOA scores, and ODI at 3-month and final follow-up were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05), and observation group was significantly better than control group (P<0.05). The skeletal lateral crypt angle and soft lateral crypt angle were significantly greater than the preoperative angle at 3 days postoperatively(P<0.05), and observation group was significantly better than control group(P<0.05). At the final follow-up, the modified Macnab criteria was used to assess clinical efficacy, in observation group, 22 patients obtained excellent results, 5 good and 1 fair;while 11 excellent, 4 good and 5 fair in control group;the clinical efficacy of observation group was significantly better than that of control group(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Both surgical methods are performed under direct vision, with high safety and good clinical efficacy. However, Endo-LOVE enlarged the lateral crypt more fully.

Development and clinical application of a new transverse process retractor based on computer-aided design and 3D printing technology / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To manufacture a new type of transverse process retractor by using computer-aided design(CAD) combined with 3D printing technology and investigate its clinical application effect.@*METHODS@#A new type of transverse protrusion retractor was developed by CAD combined with 3D printing technology. From September 2018 to September 2019, the new transverse process retractor was applied in clinic. Sixty patients with lumbar single segment lesions who needed treatment by pedicle screw fixation, bone grafting and interbody fusion were divided into new transverse process retractor group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. There were 14 males and 16 females in new type transverse process retractor group, the age was (68.0±4.3) years old on average; lesion segment of 8 cases were L3,4, 9 cases were L4,5, 13 cases were L5S1;5 cases of lumbar disc herniation, 20 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, 5 cases of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis;new transverse process retractor was used to pedicle screw placement. While there were 15 males and 15 females in control group, with an average age of (69.2±4.5) years old;lesion segment of 8 cases were L3,4, 10 cases were L4,5, 12 cases were L5S1;5 cases of lumbar disc herniation, 21 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, 4 cases of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis;the traditional lamina retractor was used for soft tissue pulling and finished pedicle screw placement by freehand. The length of surgical incision, the time required for inserting a single screw, fluoroscopy times, the times of adjusting the positioning needle or screw in insertion process, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) of surgical incision 72 hours after operation were compared between two groups.@*RESULTS@#Using CAD and 3D printing technology, a new type of transverse protrusion retractor was developed quickly. The length of surgical incision, the time required for inserting a single screw, fluoroscopy time, and the times of adjusting the positioning needle or screw in insertion process in new transverse process retractor group were less than those in control group(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS of lumbar incision pain at 72 hours after operation between two groups(P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Using CAD combined with 3D printing technology to develop a new transverse protrusion retractor has the advantages of convenient design, short development cycle and low cost. It provides a new idea for the research and development of new medical devices. The new transverse process retractor has the advantages of easy operation, reliable fixation, less damage to paravertebral muscle, convenient pedicle screw placement, reducing fluoroscopy time and so on.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in the treatment of adjacent segment lumbar disc herniation after lumbar fusion / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical effect of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in the treatment of adjacent segment lumbar disc herniation after lumbar fusion.@*METHODS@#From February 2010 to June 2018, 64 patients with adjacent segment lumbar disc herniation after lumbar fusion were retrospectively analyzed and divided into observation group and control group. In observation group, there were 23 males and 10 females performed with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, including 27 cases of single segment fusion and 6 cases of double segment fusion, aged from 55 to 83 years old with an average of (65.7±7.4) years old. In control group, there were 22 males and 9 females performed with traditional open fusion revision, including 25 cases of single-segment fusion and 6 cases of double segment fusion, aged from 51 to 78 years old with an average of(64.8±7.8) years old. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy times, postoperative ambulation time and length of postoperative hospital stay were recorded. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI). The complications between two groups were observed.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for at least 2 years. The observation group patients were followed up with an average of (2.4±0.5) years. The control group patients were followed up with an average of(2.6±0.7) years. Compared with control group, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative ambulation time and length of postoperative hospital stay of the observation group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the fluoroscopy times of observation group were significantly increased compared with control group(P<0.05). The VAS of low back and lower limb, and ODI at the latest follow-up between two groups were all significantly improved compared to those of pre-operation (P<0.05). The VAS of low back at each point and ODI at 1, 3 months after operation in observation group was significantly reduced compared with control group(P<0.05), however there was no significant difference in VAS for lower limb between two groups (P>0.05). The difference of complications between two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with traditional open fusion revision surgery, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for the treatment of adjacent segment lumbar disc herniation after lumbar fusion has the advantages of reducing operation time and intra-operative blood loss, shortening ambulation time and the length of postoperative hospital stay, and promoting pain and functional improvement, and decrease incidence of complications. However, long-term clinical efficacy needs further study.

Research on the clinical application of drainage tube after the operation of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical significance and related factors of drainage tube after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy(PELD).@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 151 patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent PELD from January 2019 to September 2019 was retrospectively analyzed. According to whether the drainage tube was used after operation, the patients were divided into drainage tube group and non drainage tube group. The placement time and total drainage volume were recorded. The characteristics of patients, such as age, gender, body mass index, lumbar disc herniation segment, smoking history, basic diseases and whether taking anticoagulants, were analyzed by single factor and multiple factor.@*RESULTS@#Drainage tubes were used in 32 patients after PELD. There were statistical differences in visual analogue scale(VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Assiciation(JOA) scores between postoperative and preoperative of that in two groups(P<0.05). There were statistical differences in VAS and JOA scores at discharge between two groups(P<0.05), while there were no statistical differences at other time points(P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that age, basic diseases and whether taking anticoagulants were related to the use of drainage tube, but gender, body mass index, lumbar disc herniation segment and smoking history were not significantly related to the use of drainage tube. Multivariate analysis showed that elderly patients, complicated with hypertension and diabetes, taking anticoagulants were related to the use of drainage tube.@*CONCLUSION@#The use of drainage tube after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy can improve the symptoms of lumbar and leg pain in early stage. For elderly patients with hypertension, diabetes and taking anticoagulants drugs, drainage tube can be considered after transforaminal endoscopy.

A case-control study of minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion with the assistance of robot and traditional fluoroscopy in the treatment of single-space lumbar disc herniation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the safety and nail placement accuracy of fluoroscopy-assisted and robot-assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in the treatment of single-space lumbar disc herniation.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 52 patients with single-space lumbar disc herniation treated by MIS-TLIF from March 2019 to February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 24 patients were treated by robot-assisted MIS-TLIF(group A) and 28 patients were treated by fluoroscopy-assisted MIS-TLIF (group B). The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) scores and operation-related complications were recorded in two groups. Gertzbein-Robbins grade according to CT scan was used to evaluate the nail placement after operation. Grade A and B were evaluated as satisfactory nail placement, and grade C, D, and E were evaluated as error placement. Babu's method was used to evaluate the screw's invasion to the superior articular process.@*RESULTS@#The operation time, intraoperative blood loss and intraoperative fluoroscopy times in group A were less than those in group B(P<0.05).VAS and JOA scores of all patients at the final follow-up were significantly improved compared with those before operation(P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups(P>0.05). There were 96 and 112 screws in group A and group B, respectively. Three days after operation, according to the Gertzbein-Robbins grade to evaluate the nail placement accuracy, there were 90 screws of grade A, 5 of grade B, 1 of grade C, no grade D and E in group A;there were 84 screws of grade A, 16 of grade B, 8 of grade C, 4 of grade D, no grade E in group B;the difference between two groups was statistically significant(Z=-3.709, P=0.000). The satisfactory rate of screw placement in group A was 98.96% (95/96), and that of group B was 89.29% (100/112), the difference between two groups was statistically significant (χ2=8.254, P=0.004). Three days after operation, the invasion of superior facet joints by pedicle screws was evaluated according to Babu's method, including 90 screws in grade 0, 4 in grade 1, 2 in grade 2, and 0 in grade 3 in group A;86 in grade 0, 12 in grade 1, 10 in grade 2 and 4 in grade 3 in group B, and the difference was statistically significant(Z=-3.433, P=0.001). There were no serious spinal cord, nerve and vascular injuries and other operation-related complications caused by screw implantation failure in both groups. All patients were followed up from 6 to 12(9.06±1.60) months. The neurological symptoms improved well after operation. During the follow-up period, there was no recurrence of symptoms, loosening or breakage of the internal fixation.@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with the traditional fluoroscopy-assisted MIS-TLIF, the spinal robot-assisted MIS-TLIF not only has more minimally invasive and safer, but also has higher accuracy in nail placement, lower incidence of upper articular process invasion, and more accurate decompression targets, which can be used for minimally invasive treatment of single-space lumbar disc herniation.

Comparison of two endoscopic spine surgical techniques

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the clinical outcome among patients who are surgically treated for lumbar disc herniation by transforaminal and interlaminar endoscopy techniques. METHODS: For the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, 31 patients were assigned to undergo the interlaminar technique and 24 patients the transforaminal technique. They were evaluated using visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index in the preoperative period, in the first postoperative period, and in the 12th month after the procedure. The clinical results between the two techniques were then compared. RESULTS: Overall, 89.1% of the patients obtained good results, with 12.5% complications in the transforaminal technique and 9.6% in the interlaminar technique. CONCLUSION: Although both the endoscopic techniques, compared in this study, are safe and effective for the surgical treatment of lumbar herniated disc, the interlaminar technique presented significantly better results and lower rates of complications than the transforaminal technique.

Update on Cervical Hernia Treatment: Conservative Management and Indications of Different Surgical Techniques / Atualização no tratamento da hérnia discal cervical: Manejo conservador e indicações de diferentes técnicas cirúrgicas

Summary Cervical and root pain due to herniated disc is one a common cause of a visit to an orthopedic surgeon. It is important to know how to diagnose, treat and initially. What are the best options to treat a herniated disc nowadays? The present article reviews the literature and updates on the clinical and surgical treatment of cervical disc herniation.

Resumo A dor cervical e radicular devido à hérnia de disco é uma causa comum de uma visita a um cirurgião ortopédico. É importante saber diagnosticar, tratar e inicialmente. Quais são as melhores opções para tratar a hérnia de disco hoje em dia? Este artigo faz uma revisão da literatura e atualização sobre o tratamento clínico e cirúrgico da herniação do disco cervical.

Analysis of surgical strategy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in young and middle-aged double-segment patients with lumbar disc herniation / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate clinical efficacy and safety of single and double segmental percutaneous lumbar discectomy for young and middle-aged patients with double-segment disc herniation.@*METHODS@#Retrospective analysis was undertaken for 32 young and middle-aged patients with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in the treatment of double-segment lumbar disc herniation from January 2015 to October 2018 in Peking University First Hospital. In the study, 18 cases were treated with single-segment treatment and 14 cases with double-segment treatment. Visual analogue score (VAS) and oswestry disability index (ODI) assessment were used to compare clinical symptom outcomes before surgery, 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up. Macnab criteria were used to assess the patients' overall satisfaction after surgery. Imaging parameters included lumbar lordosis, intervertebral height at each segment and endplate angle of lesion segment on the X-ray. And Michigan State University(MSU) rating and Pfirrmann scoring system were used to evaluate the grade of disc herniation and disc degeneration respectively on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The perioperative parameters included the surgeon, anesthesia method, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative bracing time and perioperative complications.@*RESULTS@#The mean follow-up time was (26.78±10.64) months. There was no significant difference in the follow-up time and baseline information between the two groups(P > 0.05). ODI scores 3 months post-operatively and at the last follow-up were lower in the double segment (P < 0.05). The ODI improvement was also more significant in the double-segment group at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in radiographic parameters at baseline (P>0.05). MSU scale for the primary segment was significantly lowered after both operations (P < 0.05). MSU scale for secondary segment was significantly lowered in double segment group but not in single segment group. Other imaging parameters were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). The operation time of the single-segment group was significantly shorter than that of the double-segment group(P < 0.001). No perioperative complications were found in either group, but three patients underwent secondary lumbar surgery during the postoperative follow-up period in the single-segment group.@*CONCLUSION@#For young and middle-aged patients with double-segment disc herniation, this study suggests double-segment PELD may be more advantageous than single-segment PELD in terms of asuring clinical efficacy without increasing perioperative risks.

Simple nucleus pulposus removal for the treatment of prolapsed and displaced lumbar disc herniation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical effect of the simple nucleus pulposus removal and small incision interlaminar window in the treatment of prolapsed and displaced lumbar disc herniation.@*METHODS@#From February 2016 to February 2018, 35 patients with single-segment prolapse and displaced lumbar disc herniation were treated by the simple nucleus pulposus removal and small incision interlaminar window under general anesthesia. Among them, there were 21 males and 14 females;aged (42±17) years;27 cases of L@*RESULTS@#All the operations were successful and the operation time was 30 to 60 min with an average of 40 min, the intraoperative blood loss was 10 to 30 ml with an average of 20 ml. All the patients were followed up for 1 to 3 years with an average of 1.2 years. Thirty-five patients with low back pain and lower limb symptoms were significantly relieved or disappeared. According to modified Macnab standard, 29 cases obtained excellent results, 5 good, and 1 fair.@*CONCLUSION@#Applying the concept of minimally invasive operation, small incision interlaminar window and simple nucleus pulposus removal for the treatment of prolapsed and displaced lumbar disc herniation has the advantages of short operation time, definite curative effect, and less trauma. And it is a safe and effective surgical method under the premise of strict control of the indications.

Channel-assisted fixation and interbody fusion in treating recurrent lumbar disc herniation by muscle-splitting approach / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical value and safety of unilateral pedicle screw fixation combined with contralateral translaminar facet screw fixation and interbody fusion by muscle-splitting approach treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 51 patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation treated from June 2012 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 32 males and 19 females, aged 34 to 64 years with an average of (51.11± 7.28) years. Lesions invoved L@*RESULTS@#There was no statistical difference in operation time between two groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Muscle-splitting approach is feasible for thetreatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation with pedicle screw fixation combined with contralateral translaminar facet screw fixation and interbody fusion. Compared with the median incision approach, the muscle-splitting approach has the advantages of small incision, less trauma, less bleeding, rapid recovery. Also it can protect multifidus and do not increase the incidence of serious complications. Thus, it can be used as a choice for fixation and fusion of recurrent lumbar disc herniation.

Clinical study of hydraulic perfusion pump and traditional water flushing for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical outcomes of hydraulic perfusion pump and traditional water fhushing in percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.@*METHODS@#From January 2016 to December 2018, 72 patients with lumbar disc herniation failed to conservative treatment were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into hydraulic perfusion pump group and traditional water flushing group, 36 cases in each group. There were no significant differences in gender, age, prominent segment, clinical classification, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) score between two groups (@*RESULTS@#All the patients were followed up for 12 to 24 (15.7±5.1) months. Compared with the traditional water flushing group, the operation time of the hydraulic perfusion pump group was shorter [(65.5±21.3) min vs (74.8±19.9) min, @*CONCLUSION@#Both hydraulic perfusion pump and traditional water flushing assisted percutaneous endoscopic lumbar disc herniation can achieve satisfactory clinical results, but the former has shorter operation time, clearer intraoperative vision, less bleeding, and fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Wiltse approach combined with contralateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and conventional surgery for lumbar disc herniation:a case-control study / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effecty of Wiltse approach combined with contralateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and traditional TLIF in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation and its affect on injury of multifidus muscle.@*METHODS@#From June 2014 to September 2017, 90 patients with lumbar disc herniation combined with lumbar spine instability were divided into two groups (Wiltse approach group and traditional group) depend on the procedure of operation. Wiltse approach group was treated with Wiltse approach screw placement in one side combined with contralateral TLIF. There were 50 patients in Wiltse approach group, including 36 males and 14 females, aged 45 to 72 yearswith an average of (60.4± 3.1) years. The traditional group was treated with traditional TLIF operation. There were 40 patients in the traditional group, including 25 males and 15 females, aged 45 to 74 years with an average of (62.1±3.4) years. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, accuracy of screw implantation, postoperative drainage volume and drainage tube removal time were recorded in two groups. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)were observed before and 12 months after operation. All patients underwent CT examination preoperative and 12 months postoperative, and the CT values of bilateral multifidus muscle were measured.@*RESULTS@#All the patients were followed up, 40 patients in traditional group were 12 to 18 months with an average of (15.3±4.3) months; and 50 patients in Wiltse approach group were 13 to 24 months with an average of (16.5± 4.1) months. There were no statistically significant differences in operative time and intraoperative blood loss between two groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with traditional surgical procedures, the Wiltse approach nail placement combined with contralateral TLIF has the advantage of accurate nail placement, reducing multifidus muscle damage, and reducing the incidence of postoperative intractable low back pain.

Clinical efficacy of posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy for single level cervical spondylopathy with intraspinal ossification / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effectiveness and security of posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (PPECD) in the treatment of single level cervical spondylopathy with intraspinal ossification.@*METHODS@#Twenty three patients with single level cervical spondylopathy with intraspinal ossification were treated by posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy between August 2017 and July 2019. There were 16 males and 7 females, aged from 29 to 74 years old with an average of (50±13) years.The disease duration were 3 to 120 months with a median of 6 months. There were 9 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, 6 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and 8 cases of mixed cervical spondylopathy. According to the characteristics of ossification, 17 cases were osteophytes on the posterior edge of the vertebral body;3 cases were protrusion ossification;3 cases were posterior longitudinal ligament ossification. According to the position of ossification in spinal canal, 14 cases were medial and lateral type, 5 cases were central type, and 4 cases were mixed type. Posterior percutaneous cervical endoscopic cervical discectomy in patients performed by the same surgeon. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and visual analogue scale(VAS) were compared separately before and after operation. At 3 months after operation, clinical effect was assessed according to modified Macnab standard.@*RESULTS@#All operations were successful. The operative time was 30 to 155 (69.1±27.2) min. The bedridden time was 2 to 3(3.0±0.9) h, length of postoperative hospitalization was 2 to 7(4.1± 1.5) d. Three dimensional CT reconstruction of the cervical spine at 3 days after operation showed that ossified tissue of 13 cases were completely removed, and 10 cases were left after operation, and the residual was located at the posterior edge and/or center of the upper vertebral body. VAS score at discharge from hospital was significantly lower than that before operation (@*CONCLUSION@#For an experienced surgeon, percutaneous posterior cervical endoscopic discectomy is safe and reliable in treating single level cervical spondylopathy with intraspinal ossification, and can obtain good clinical results.

Síndrome de cola de caballo secundario a hernia discal / Cauda equina syndrome secondary to herniated disc / Síndrome de cauda eqüina secundária a hérnia discal

Resumen: Introducción: el síndrome de cola de caballo (SCC) es una entidad poco frecuente, provocado por la compresión de las raíces nerviosas en el canal a nivel de la cola de caballo. Puede dejar graves secuelas si no es diagnosticado y tratado de forma precoz. Únicamente 2% a 6% de las hernias discales lumbares van a provocar un SCC. El diagnóstico de esta patología se basa en criterios clínicos, siendo éstos objeto de controversia dada la variabilidad de presentación del cuadro clínico. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la presentación clínica y evolución posoperatoria de los pacientes intervenidos por SCC secundaria a hernia de disco por equipo del Centro de Deformidades de Columna (CE.DEF.CO), entre enero de 2009 y diciembre de 2018. Material y método: realizamos un análisis retrospectivo. La población objetivo son los pacientes intervenidos por SCC secundario a hernia discal entre enero de 2009 y diciembre de 2018 por equipo del CE.DEF.CO. Analizamos 20 pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente, de ellos 17 (85%) casos presentaron síntomas urinarios, 18 (90%) casos dolor o elementos deficitarios en miembros inferiores, 13 casos anestesia/hipoestesia en silla de montar, 6 casos síntomas intestinales y 3 casos presentaron disfunciones sexuales. En 19 casos se realizó procedimiento quirúrgico antes de las 48 de iniciados los síntomas. Resultados: la remisión de síntomas esfinterianos al mes es de 83% y al año posoperatorio de casi 87%. Se constató un caso de disfunción sexual al año posoperatorio. Conclusión: el diagnóstico precoz por el médico emergencista es fundamental, por lo que el conocimiento de esta patología es imprescindible. Nuestros resultados en pacientes intervenidos de forma precoz, antes de las 48 horas, fueron similares a los publicados en la bibliografía internacional con bajo porcentaje de secuelas.

Summary: Introduction: cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare entity, caused by compression of the nerve roots in the spinal canal at the cauda equina level. It can leave serious sequelae if it is not diagnosed and treated early. Only 2-6% of lumbar disc herniation will cause CES. The diagnosis of this pathology is based on clinical criteria, these being the subject of controversy given the variability of presentation of the clinical picture. Materials and methods: we conducted a retrospective study. The target population are the patients operated on for CES secondary to herniated disc between January 2009 and December 2018 by a team from CE.DEF.CO. (center for spinal deformities). The objective is to carry out a set-up regarding the clinical presentation of this entity and to evaluate the correlation between surgical time and neurological improvement. Out of 20 patients who were operated, 17 (85%) presented urinary symptoms, 18 (90%) were patients in pain or presenting deficit elements in the lower limbs, 13 were cases of anesthesia / hypoesthesia in the saddle, 6 cases evidenced intestinal symptoms and 3 cases presented sexual dysfunction. In 19 cases, a surgical procedure was performed before 48 hours after symptoms started. Results: the remission of sphincter symptoms after one month is 83% and it rises to almost 87% one year after the surgery. One case of sexual dysfunction persisted one year after surgery. Conclusion: early diagnosis by the emergency physician is essential, so knowledge of this pathology is essential. Our experience and good results allow us to conclude that early surgical treatment is associated with symptomatic improvement and fewer neurological sequelae in the short and long term.

Resumo: Introdução: a síndrome da cauda eqüina (SCE) é uma entidade rara causada pela compressão das raízes nervosas no canal no nível da cauda eqüina. Pode deixar seqüelas graves se não for diagnosticada e tratada precocemente. Apenas 2-6% das hérnias do disco lombar causarão a síndrome da cauda eqüina. O diagnóstico desta patologia é baseado em critérios clínicos, sendo este motivo de controvérsia, dada a variabilidade da apresentação do quadro clínico. Materiais e métodos: realizamos um estudo retrospectivo. A população-alvo estava composta por pacientes operados por SCE secundária a hérnia discal entre janeiro de 2009 e dezembro de 2018 pela equipe do CE. DEF.CO (Centro de Defeitos da Coluna Vertebral). Foram analisados 20 pacientes operados, dos quais 17 (85%) apresentaram sintomas urinários, 18 (90%) dor ou elementos de deficiência em membros inferiores, 13 anestesia / hipoestesia em sela, 6 sintomas intestinais e 3 disfunções sexuais. Em 19 casos, um procedimento cirúrgico foi realizado antes de 48 horas após o início dos sintomas. Resultado: a remissão dos sintomas esfincterianos em um mês é de 83% e em um ano pós-operatório é de quase 87%. Um caso de disfunções sexuais foi encontrado um ano após a cirurgia. Conclusão: o diagnóstico precoce pelo médico de emergência é essencial, portanto o conhecimento desta patologia é fundamental. Nossos resultados em pacientes operados precocemente, antes de 48 horas, foram semelhantes aos publicados na literatura internacional com baixo percentual de seqüelas.

Tratamiento de la hernia discal cervical. Hospital Provincial General Camilo Cienfuegos de Sancti Spíritus / Cervical disc herniation treatment at Camilo Cienfuegos General Provincial Hospital in Sancti Spíritus

RESUMEN Fundamento: La enfermedad degenerativa cervical produce una variedad de síntomas clínicos que pueden ser tratados de forma no quirúrgica, sin embargo en ocasiones la cirugía es necesaria. La técnica quirúrgica más empleada para tratar esta enfermedad es la discectomía con artrodesis. El tratamiento adecuado de la hernia discal cervical depende de una adecuada selección de la técnica quirúrgica y su correcta realización. Objetivo: Caracterizar el tratamiento quirúrgico de la hernia discal cervical en el Hospital Provincial General Camilo Cienfuegos de Sancti Spíritus en el período: enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2018. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en el Hospital Provincial General Camilo Cienfuegos de Sancti Spíritus de enero 2015 a diciembre 2018. La población de estudio: todos los pacientes que acudieron a la consulta externa de neurocirugía del hospital refiriendo cervicalgia o cervicobraquialgia; la muestra: 51 pacientes diagnosticados por resonancia magnética nuclear de hernia discal cervical y que se les realizó al menos una discectomía cervical. Resultados: De los pacientes el 62.8 % eran mujeres y el 33.3 % tenía una edad comprendida entre 51-60 años. El espacio intervertebral más afectado fue C5-C6 (43.7 %). La técnica quirúrgica que predominó fue la discectomía con colocación de injerto autólogo (79.7 %). La complicación más frecuente fue la expulsión del injerto (3.9 %). Conclusiones: El comportamiento de la hernia discal en cuanto al sexo, edad y nivel afectado fue similar al descrito en la bibliografía. La técnica quirúrgica más empleada fue la artrodesis con injerto autólogo de cresta ilíaca. Las complicaciones presentadas fueron infrecuentes.

ABSTRACT Background: Cervical degenerative disease produces a variety of clinical symptoms that can be treated by a non-surgical way, however sometimes surgery is necessary. The most widely used surgical technique to treat this disease is discectomy with arthrodesis. The proper treatment of cervical disc herniation depends on an adequate selection of the surgical technique and its correct performance. Objective: To characterize the surgical treatment of cervical disc herniation at Camilo Cienfuegos General Provincial Hospital in Sancti Spíritus in the period: January 2015 to December 2018. Methodology: A prospective study was carried out at Camilo Cienfuegos General Provincial Hospital in Sancti Spíritus from January 2015 to December 2018. The study population: all the patients who attended the hospital outpatient neurosurgery consultation referring cervicalgia or cervicobraquialgia; the sample: 51 patients diagnosed with cervical disc herniation and performed at least one cervical discectomy. Results: Of the patients, 62.8 % were women and 33.3 % were between 51-60 years old. The most affected intervertebral space was C5-C6 (43.7 %). The predominant surgical technique was discectomy with autologous graft placement (79.7 %). The most frequent complication was the expulsion of the graft (3.9 %). Conclusions: The behavior of the herniation disc concerning sex, age and affected level was similar to that described in the literature. The most widely used surgical technique was arthrodesis with an autologous iliac crest graft. The complications presented were infrequent.

Correlation of the epidural space measured intraoperatively and estimated by MRI or US: an observational study / Correlação entre a profundidade do espaço peridural medida no intraoperatório e a estimada por RM ou US: estudo observacional

Abstract Background and objectives: To assess the agreement between the epidural depth measured from the surgical site with the epidural depths estimated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound scanning. Methods: Fifty patients of either sex, scheduled for L4‒5 lumbar disc surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective observational study, and the results of 49 patients were analyzed. The actual epidural depth was measured from the surgical site with a sterile surgical scale. The MRI-derived epidural depth was measured from the MRI scan. The ultrasound estimated epidural depth was measured from the ultrasound image obtained just before surgery. Results: The mean epidural depth measured from the surgical site was 53.80 ± 7.67 mm, the mean MRI-derived epidural depth was 54.06 ± 7.36 mm, and the ultrasound-estimated epidural depth was 53.77 ± 7.94 mm. The correlation between the epidural depth measured from the surgical site and MRI-derived epidural depth was 0.989 (r2 = 0.979, p < 0.001), and the corresponding correlation with the ultrasound-estimated epidural depth was 0.990 (r2 = 0.980, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both ultrasound-estimated epidural depth and MRI-derived epidural depth have a strong correlation with the epidural depth measured from the surgical site. Preprocedural MRI-derived estimates of epidural depth are slightly deeper than the epidural depth measured from the surgical site, and the ultrasound estimated epidural depths are somewhat shallower. Although both radiologic imaging techniques provided reliable preprocedural estimates of the actual epidural depth, the loss of resistance technique cannot be discarded while inserting epidural needles.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Avaliar a concordância entre a profundidade peridural medida no campo cirúrgico com a profundidade peridural estimada pela Ressonância Magnética (RM) e ultrassonografia. Métodos: Cinquenta pacientes de ambos os sexos agendados para cirurgia de disco lombar L4-5 sob anestesia geral foram incluídos neste estudo observacional prospectivo, e os resultados de 49 pacientes foram analisados. A profundidade peridural real foi medida no campo cirúrgico com uma régua cirúrgica estéril. A profundidade peridural obtida pela Ressonância Magnética (RM) foi medida a partir das imagens do exame de RM. A profundidade peridural estimada pelo ultrassom foi medida a partir da imagem do ultrassom obtida imediatamente antes da cirurgia. Resultados: A profundidade peridural média medida no campo cirúrgico foi de 53,80 ± 7,67 mm; a profundidade peridural média da RM foi de 54,06 ± 7,36 mm; e a profundidade peridural estimada por ultrassom foi de 53,77 ± 7,94 mm. A correlação entre a profundidade peridural medida no campo cirúrgico e a profundidade peridural derivada da RM foi de 0,989 (r2 = 0,979; p < 0,001); e a correlação correspondente com a profundidade peridural estimada por ultrassom foi de 0,990 (r2 = 0,980; p < 0,001). Conclusões: Tanto a profundidade peridural estimada por ultrassom quanto a profundidade peridural derivada da RM mostram forte correlação com a profundidade peridural medida no campo cirúrgico. As estimativas pré-operatórias da profundidade peridural derivadas da RM são um pouco mais profundas do que a profundidade peridural medida no campo cirúrgico, e as profundidades peridurais estimadas por ultrassom são um pouco mais rasas. Embora ambas as técnicas de imagem radiológica tenham fornecido estimativas pré-operatórias confiáveis da profundidade peridural real, a técnica de perda de resistência não pode ser descartada durante a inserção da agulha peridural.