RESUMEN
[Objective]To analyze and compare the results of the posterolateral entrance and posterior laminectomy in treating thoracic disc herniation.[Method]From Nov.1998 to Feb.2006,fifty-one cases were treated with posterolateral entrance combined with the facet disectomy(Group A),and 26 patients were treated with the vertebral disectomy instead of the thoracic disc tissue disectomy.Complications occurring in the follow-up time were investigated and the improving rates were calculated.Otanni Systems was used to evaluate the clinical results.The SPSS 13.0 was used for statistic work.[Result]The operation time was 130～185 min(mean 162 min) for Group A,145～205 min(mean 168 min) for Group B.No difference existed(P=0.062).The blood lost was 400～600 ml(mean 485 ml),while in group B,it was 500～800 ml(mean 646 ml),tbere was significant difference(P=0.013).The clinical satisfaction rate of group A was 86.3%,26 patients returned to perfect results,with 18 in good,6 in fair and 1 in poor results.In group B,the clnical satisfaction rate was 69.2%.There was significant difference between 2 groups(P=0.025).Seven out of the 51 patients had complications in group A.Two patients of neurological dysfunction showed no improvement.One patient was found having spinal cord reactive edema.Internal fixation system was removed in 2 patients because of loosening and paresthesia.Anterior spinal artery syndrome was found in 1 patient.Leakage of CSF was observed in 1 patient.While in the Group B,six patients neurological dysfunction showed no improvement.One patient was found having spinal cord reactive edema.Internal fixation system was removed in 1 patient.Anterior spinal artery syndrome was found in 1 patient.Leakage of CSF was observed in 2 patients.There were obvious difference(P=0.034).[Conclusion]Posterolateral entrance is effective in treating thoracic disc herniation.Comparing with the posterior laminectomy,this operation method is safer,more effective and has less complications.