Application of microchannel technique in minimally invasive resection of cervical intraspinal tumors / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To explore the application and key points of microchannel approaches in resec-tion of cervical intraspinal tumors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 51 cases of cervi-cal spinal canal tumors from February 2017 to March 2020.Among them,5 cases were located epidural space,6 cases were located epidural and subdural space,and 40 cases were located under the subdural extramedullary space(6 cases were located on the ventral side of the spinal cord).The maximum diameter ranged from 0.5 to 3.0 cm.The clinical manifestations included neck,shoulder or upper limb pain 43 cases,sensory disturbance(numbness)in 22 cases,and limb weakness in 8 cases.The micro-channel keyhole technique was used to expose the tumor,and the tumor was resected microscopically.Results:In this study,35 patients underwent hemilaminectomy,12 patients underwent interlaminar fenestration,2 patients underwent medial 1/4 facetectomy on the basis of hemilaminectomy or interlaminar fenestration.Two tumors were resected through anatomy space(no bone was resected).The degree of tumor resection included total resection in 50 cases and subtotal resection in 1 case.The type of the tumor included 36 schwannomas,12 meningiomas,2 enterogenic cysts and 1 dermoid cyst.There was no infec-tion and cerebrospinal fluid leakage postoperatively.Limb numbness occurred in 7 patients.The average follow-up time was 15 months(3 to 36 months).No deformity such as cervical instability or kyphosis was found.The tumor had no recurrence.Conclusion:The cervical spinal canal is relatively wide,cervical tumors with no more than three segments can be fully exposed by means of microchannel technology.Besides intramedullary or malignant tumors,they can be microsurgically removed.Preservation of the skeletal muscle structure of cervical spine is beneficial to recover the anatomy and function of cervical spine.The electrophysiological monitoring helps to avoid spinal cord or nerve root injury.

One-year follow-up of visual trephine arthroplasty for single-level lumbar disc herniation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:With the progress of minimally invasive procedures of the spine,endoscopic lumbar decompression has been widely used in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.The indications of different endoscopic surgical approaches are different,and the decision of the specific operation plan needs to be combined with the actual situation and the choice of clinical surgeons. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the short-term effect in treatment of single-level lumbar disc herniation by percutaneous endoscopic visual trephine arthroplasty. METHODS:Ninety patients with single-level lumbar disc herniation admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021 who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study.According to different approaches of percutaneous endoscopic visual trephine arthroplasty,they were divided into transforaminal approach group(control group,n=48 cases)and translaminar approach group(trial group,n=42 cases).The general information of patients in the two groups was recorded,including sex,age,disease course,body mass index,incision length,operation time,intraoperative fluoroscopy times,length of hospital stay,and amount of blood loss.Visual analog scale score of pain and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score at different follow-up stages were assessed.The modified MacNab standard was used to evaluate the clinical outcome at the last follow-up,and the postoperative complications and recurrence rate were measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times of the trial group were less than those of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).However,there were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss,incision length,and hospital stay between the two groups(P>0.05).(2)There was no significant difference in visual analog scale score of pain and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score between the two groups before surgery(P>0.05).However,visual analog scale of pain and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score were significantly improved 1 week,3,6,and 12 months after surgery(P<0.05).(3)At the last follow-up,the good and good rate of modified MacNab standard was 94%in the control group and 95%in the trial group.(4)In the control group,one patient still felt back and leg pain after surgery,underwent open surgery,and recovered well after surgery without obvious sequelae.There were no postoperative complications or recurrent cases in the trial group.(5)It is concluded that both percutaneous transforaminal approach and interlaminar approach have good short-term clinical efficacy and high patient satisfaction in the treatment of single-level lumbar disc herniation,but the time of the interlaminar approach is shorter and has less intraoperative fluoroscopy times.

Unilateral interlaminar approach 270° circular spinal canal decompression under the iLESSYS Delta for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis in the elderly / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical effect of unilateral interlaminar approach 270° circular spinal canal decompression under the Interlaminar Endoscopic Surgical System(iLESSYS) Delta for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) in the elderly.@*METHODS@#Total of 29 patients with LSS treated with the iLESSYS Delta from December 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 12 males and 17 females with an average age of (71.52±10.82) years old ranging from 63 to 83 years old. All patients had definite intermittent claudication, mainly neurogenic symptoms of both lower limbs. All patients had single-level spinal stenosis, including L3,4 5 cases, L4,5 21 cases, and L5S1 3 cases. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and modified Macnab assessment criteria were used to evaluate pain, low back pain dysfunction index and clinical efficacy, respectively.@*RESULTS@#All 29 cases were successfully completed. The operation time was (73.45±5.89) min, the intraoperative blood loss was (9.93±0.83) ml, the hospital stay was (4.03±0.41) days, and the follow-up was more than 12 months. The VAS scores of low back pain before surgery and 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year after surgery were 2.31±0.88, 1.45±0.62, 1.21±0.61, 1.10±0.55, 1.03±0.49;VAS of leg pain were 6.48±0.49 0.56, 1.97±0.61, 1.31±0.59, 1.17±0.59, 1.10±0.55;ODI scores were 38.41±2.74, 18.14±1.17, 5.17±0.53, 5.07±0.45, 4.90±0.48;low back and leg pain VAS score and ODI score have statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative follow-up time points (P<0.05). The MacNab efficacy evaluation at 1-year follow-up:excellent in 22 cases, good in 5 cases and fair in 2 cases.@*CONCLUSION@#The clinical effect of unilateral interlaminar approach 270° circular spinal canal decompression under the iLESSYS Delta for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis in the elderly is satisfactory, with the advantages of less trauma and less bleeding, large microscopic operation space, sufficient decompression, and ideal post-operative recovery, and at the same time, it can minimize the damage to the stable structure of the lumbar spine, which is an ideal surgical method for the treatment of elderly lumbar spinal stenosis.

Efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy for lumbar disc prolapse / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy for lumbar disc prolapse.Methods:The clinical data of 60 patients with lumbar disc prolapse who underwent surgery at Luzhou People's Hospital between March 2019 and September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into an open lumbar discectomy (OLM) group ( n = 29, receiving treatment through a posterior approach) and a percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) group ( n = 37). Perioperative conditions were compared between the two groups. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index scores of the leg were recorded before surgery and 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. At the final follow-up, clinical efficacy was assessed using the modified MacNab criteria. Results:The surgical time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were (96.55 ± 15.18) minutes, 120.0 (100.0, 180.0) mL, and 10.0 (9.5, 12.0) days in the OLM group, while these values were (77.30 ± 11.03) minutes, 20.0 (15.0, 22.5) mL, and 6.0 (5.0, 7.0) days in the PEID group, respectively. Significant differences were observed in these indexes between the two groups ( t = 5.97, Z = -7.00, -6.68, all P < 0.001). At 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery, there was no significant difference in VAS score between the two groups (all P > 0.05). At 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery, the Oswestry Disability Index score in the PEID group was 12.0 (10.0, 24.0) points, 6.0 (9.0, 13.0) points, and 2.0 (4.0, 8.0) points, respectively, which were significantly lower than 24.0 (16.0, 31.0) points, 16.0 (10.0, 21.0) points, and 8.0 (8.0, 12.0) points in the OLM group, respectively ( Z = -3.64, -3.79, -3.26, all P < 0.05). According to the modified MacNab criteria for final follow-up assessment, the excellent and good rate was 86.21% (25/29) in the OLM group and 89.19% (33/37) in the PEID group; there was no significant difference in excellent and good rate between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:The clinical efficacy of PEID in the treatment of lumbar disc prolapse is satisfactory.

Structural and functional phenotypic features and molecular analysis of Indian patients with Bietti crystalline dystrophy

Purpose: Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is a rare retinal dystrophy, uncommon in Indians. This study describes the various phenotypic features seen in the Indian population. Methods: In this retrospective, descriptive case series, records of patients with either clinical or molecular diagnosis of BCD from 2009 to 2020 were perused. Phenotypic and genotype information was collected and analyzed. Results: This study included 58 patients of BCD (31 males) aged 21–79 years (mean: 47 ± 14 years). The age at onset ranged from 7 to 41 years (mean: 28.8 ± 5.1 years). Vision ranged from 20/20 to counting fingers. There were 18 (31%) patients with stage 1 with crystals and mild retinochoroidal atrophy, 22 (38%) with stage 2 with atrophy extending beyond arcades, and 18 (31%) with absent crystals and extensive atrophy of stage 3. Choroidal neovascular membrane was seen in four patients. The optical coherence tomography showed retinochoroidal thinning (84.6%), outer retinal tubulations (71.8%), and paradoxical foveal thickening with interlaminar bridges (7.7%). Electrophysiology and visual fields showed reduced responses in advanced retinochoroidal changes. Molecular confirmation was available in five patients; five mutations were seen in the CYP4V2. Conclusion: A wide variation is seen in the phenotypic picture of BCD. A molecular diagnosis is helpful in differentiating from other retinal dystrophies. The OCT shows the peculiar feature of the interlaminar bridge in early cases with photoreceptor loss. Further investigations into this OCT feature may provide insights into the pathogenesis of BCD. A genotype–phenotype correlation could not be done.

Comparison of the effect of endoscopic discectomy through interlaminar approach for lumbar disc herniation under local or general anesthesia / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the effect or endoscopic discectomy via interlaminar approach in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation under local or general anesthesia. 【Methods】 We selected 78 patients with lumbar disc herniation （L5-S1） who underwent endoscopic discectomy via interlaminar approach from January 2018 to February 2020. According to the anesthesia method， they were divided into local anesthesia group （40 patients） and general anesthesia group （38 patients）. Baseline data， complications， operation time， length of hospital stay， hospitalization expenses， preoperative and postoperative VAS scores were compared between the two groups to evaluate the difference in clinical outcomes. 【Results】 There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender （23/17 vs. 20/18）， age （38.45±13.59 vs 37.39±13.35） years， preoperative VAS score （7.05±1.32 vs. 6.95±1.47）， or other baseline data （P>0.05）. The operation was completed successfully in both groups， and the operation time （83.57±13.24 vs. 86.28±15.43） minutes did not statistically differ （P>0.05）. No complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage， nerve injury， or wound infection occurred. In the local anesthesia group， the VAS pain score at 1d， 1 month and 6 months after surgery was 3.05±1.34， 1.90±0.98 and 1.80±1.09， respectively， which were significantly lower than those before surgery （P<0.001）. The VAS pain scores of the general anesthesia group at the above three time points were 3.24±2.01， 2.03±1.20 and 1.59±1.31， respectively， which were also significantly lower than those before surgery （P<0.001）， but the difference was not statistically significant compared with that of the local anesthesia group at the same time point （P>0.05）. However， compared with the general anesthesia group， the length of hospital stay （2.93±0.92） d and the cost of hospitalization （29 397.97±1 398.09） yuan in the local anesthesia group were decreased by 25.8% and 11.7%， respectively， with statistical significance （P<0.05）. 【Conclusion】 Endoscopic discectomy through interlaminar approach under local or general anesthesia can achieve good clinical outcomes in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation （L5-S1）. Compared with general anesthesia， local anesthesia brings a lower overall cost and a shorter hospital stay.

Perioperative blood loss in different approaches by percutaneous endoscopic discectomy / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To compare the perioperative blood loss between interlaminar and transforaminal approaches by percutaneous endoscopic discectomy in order to provide more reference for guiding the proper choice of surgical methods clinically. 【Methods】 We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 160 patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy from June 2019 to November 2020， with 80 patients in interlaminar approach group and 80 in transforaminal approach group. The blood loss was calculated according to Gross formula. 【Results】 The perioperative total blood loss （mL）， hidden blood loss （mL） and hemoglobin loss （g/L） were significantly lower in interlaminar approach group than in transforaminal approach group （119.73±179.26 vs. 158.6±190.65， 109.73±179.53 vs. 148.78±190.19， 3.76±8.12 vs. 4.31±7.62） （P<0.05）. However， there was no significant difference in visible blood loss between the two groups. 【Conclusion】 The perioperative hidden blood loss accounts for a large proportion in percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy. In addition， the interlaminar approach causes less blood loss than the transforaminal approach.

Risk factors of hidden blood loss during percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To explore the relationship between hidden blood loss （HBL） and risk factors in percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy （PEID）. 【Methods】 We retrospectively analyzed 113 patients （67 males and 46 females， aged 21-71 years old） with lumbar disc herniation （L5-S1 level） who underwent PEID with complete clinical data in the Department of Spinal Surgery of Subei People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University from January 2018 to August 2020. The collected data included general patient indicators （age， body mass index and gender）， underlying diseases （hypertension and diabetes）， laboratory tests （prothrombin time， activated partial thromboplastin time， fibrinogen， hematocrit and hemoglobin level）， imaging related parameters （grade of intervertebral disc degeneration， interlaminar space height and soft tissue thickness of interlaminar approach）， intraoperative significant blood loss and operation time. According to the Gross formula， total blood loss and HBL during operation were calculated. And the risk factors of HBL was analyzed. 【Results】 The total perioperative blood loss was （394.85±130.50） mL， and HBL was （337.09±124.98） mL which accounted for 85.4% of the total blood loss. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that operation time （P<0.001） and disc degeneration grade （P=0.020） were independent risk factors of HBL. 【Conclusion】 HBL is the main cause of blood loss during PEID， and operation time and disc degeneration grade are independent risk factors that affect the amount of HBL.

Comparison of clinical efficacy of PEID and PETD in the treatment of L5-S1 lateral recess stenosis / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To compare the clinical efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic decompression （PEID） and percutaneous interlaminar endoscopic decompression （PETD） in the treatment of L5-S1 lateral recess stenosis. 【Methods】 We selected the patients in our center diagnosed with L5-S1 lateral recess stenosis from March 2018 to October 2019 and divided them into Group A and Group B according to the principle of prospective， single-blind， and randomized control （A： PETD； B： PEID）. The operation was performed by the same senior surgeon with mature spinal endoscopy technology. We recorded the basic information， operation duration， usage count of C-arm， hospital stay， VAS score and ODI index of lower back and lower limbs before operation and 3 days， 1 month， 1 year and the last follow-up after the operation， and the operative excellent and good rates （the last follow-up）. The angle of bony lateral recess was measured during pre- and postoperative CT. 【Results】 A total of 95 patients （A： n=48； B： n=47） successfully completed the operation and were followed up for at least 1 year. The two groups did not significantly differ in age， gender， hospital stay， or complication by lumbar intervertebral disc herniation， but PEID group had significantly shorter operation duration and fewer usage counts of C-arm （P<0.001）. VAS score of lower back and lower limbs， and ODI index were significantly reduced at 3 days，1 month， 1 year and the last follow-up after the operation， with no significant difference between the two groups at the same time； no statistical difference was found between the two groups in operative excellent and good rates at the last follow-up （P>0.05）. The postoperative bony side recess angle was significantly improved （P<0.05）， while there was no significant difference in either pre- or postoperative bony side recess angle between the two groups （P>0.05）. 【Conclusion】 Both PEID and PETD are effective strategies in the treatment of L5-S1 lateral recess stenosis and can achieve good clinical outcomes.

Comparison of single channel-spinal endoscopy (Delta) and unliateral biportal endoscopic technique for the treatment of senile lumbar spinal stenosis / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To compare the clinical effect of single channel-spinal endoscopy （Delta） and unliateral biportal endoscopic technique （UBE） for the treatment of senile lumbar spinal stenosis. 【Methods】 We retrospectively analyzed 48 elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis treated between February and October 2020. The patients were divided into single channel-spinal endoscopy （Delta） group （n=25） and UBE group （n=23） according to different surgical methods. We compared the operation time， intraoperative blood loss， length of hospital stay， and surgical complications between the two groups. The visual analogue score （VAS） and Oswestry disability index （ODI） were compared between the groups. 【Results】 Single channel-spinal endoscopy （Delta） group was significantly inferior to UBE group in operation time （P0.05）. The VAS scores at 24， 48， and 72 postoperative hours did not differ between the two groups （P>0.05）. The ODI scores at 3 postoperative months and final follow-up were significantly improved over the preoperative score in both groups （P0.05）. The incidence rate of complications was 8% （2/25） in single channel-spinal endoscopy （Delta） group and 9% （2/23） in UBE group， and no significant difference was found （P>0.05）. 【Conclusion】 Single channel-spinal endoscopy （Delta） and UBE technique both achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy in the treatment of senile lumbar spinal stenosis. but the former one exhibits advantages over the latter in easier performance and lower learning curve. Single channel-spinal endoscopy （Delta） is an efficacious minimally invasive surgical technique for treating senile lumbar spinal stenosis.

Abordaje interlaminar complementamente endoscópico para hernias centrales extruidas y migradas en L5­S1. Serie de casos / Full-endoscopic interlaminar approach for L5- S1 extruded and migrated central hernias. Case series study

Introducción La cirugía endoscópica de columna ha demostrado ser una opción en el tratamiento de hernias discal y estenosis foraminal. El abordaje más empleado es la vía transforaminal, sin embargo, este abordaje es limitado en casos de hernias discales centrales extruidas y migradas. El abordaje interlaminar completamente endoscópico ha permitido el tratamiento sintomático de hernias discales centrales extruidas y migradas en el nivel L5 ­ S1, además es una novedosa alternativa para la resolución de las dificultades técnicas relacionadas con el abordaje posterolateral en éste nivel. El propósito del estudio es reportar los resultados obtenidos con el abordaje endoscópica interlaminar en el tratamiento de hernias discales centrales extruidas y migradas en dos años de seguimiento. Materiales y métodos Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional descriptivo con las historias de pacientes que presentaron sintomatología radicular secundaria a hernia discal central en el nivel L5 ­ S1 y que fueron tratados con cirugía por abordaje interlaminar completamente endoscópico. Se evaluaron los índices de escala visual análoga (EVA) pre y posoperatorio, el criterio Oswestry ODI y el criterio MacNab. Resultados Entre los años 2008 y 2015 se realizaron un total de 99 procedimientos en el mismo número de pacientes. Todos fueron sometidos a una técnica quirúrgica estándar bajo anestesia local y sedación. La EVA tuvo una reducción de 5,81 puntos. El ODI bajó 45,63%. Y el 88% de los pacientes tuvo una completa satisfacción frente al tratamiento. Discusión Los resultados obtenidos en esta muestra permiten considerar la fragmentectomía interlaminar endoscópica bajo anestesia local y sedación como un procedimiento seguro, preciso y efectivo en la resolución del dolor secundario a hernias discales centrales extruidas y migradas en el nivel L5 ­ S1 que cursan con radiculopatía. El uso de anestesia local y sedación como única alternativa analgésica puede no ser la mejor opción en este tipo de técnicas Nivel de evidencia IV

Background Endoscopic spine surgery has shown to be an option for disc hernias and foraminal stenosis. Although the most used approach is transforaminal, this approach is limited in cases of extruded and migrated central hernias. The full-endoscopic interlaminar approach has led to the treatment of the lumbar pain secondary to extruded and migrated central herniated discs at L5 - S1, and is an alternative for resolving technical difficulties related to the transforaminal approach at this level. The aim of this article is to report the results obtained with a full-endoscopic interlaminar approach for the treatment of central extruded and migrated herniated discs, with a two-year follow-up. Methods A descriptive observational retrospective study was conducted using the records of patients who had a radiculopathy secondary to a central herniated disc at level L5 - S1, and who were treated with a full-endoscopic interlaminar approach. An evaluation was made of the pre-operative and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry ODI criteria, and MacNab criteria. Results A total of 99 procedures were performed in the same number of patients between 2008 and 2015. All were treated with a standard surgical technique and under local anaesthesia and sedation. The visual analogue score showed a reduction of 5.81 points. The ODI was down 45.63%, and 88% of the patients were completely satisfied with the treatment. Discussion The results lead us to consider that full-endoscopic interlaminar fragmentectomy under local anaesthesia and sedation is a safe, accurate, and effective procedure for the treatment of radiculopathy related to L5 - S1 extruded and migrated central hernia. Use of local anaesthesia and sedation as the only analgesic alternative may not be the best option in this type of technique. Evidence Level IV

Role of Non-Real Time Imaging in Improving Success of Blind Inter-Laminar Epidural Injection for Treatment of Symptomatic Prolapsed Lumbar Inter-Vertebral Disc

One of the most commonly employed methods of treatment for Lumbar disc herniation with leg pain is epidural steroid injection. Of the three routes being deployed, inter-laminar approach is preferred as needle entry can be directed more closely to the assumed site of pathology, requiring less volume than the caudal route and it is less risky compared to the trans-foraminal approach. For effective placement of the spinal needle in the epidural space, use of C-arm is a must. But, the operation theatre and C-arm is not available in most of the health centers in the developing countries especially in rural settings. Time taken to set up is another issue. To improve the success rate of needle placement in “blind method” of ILESI, we have developed a technique of using digital X-ray of lumbo-sacral spine, which is available universally nowadays, to measure the depth of the epidural space and level of the targeted inter-vertebral space. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of measurements in plain roentgenograms of lumbo-sacral spine in guiding needle placement into epidural space. Methods: A prospective study was taken up in the Dept. of PMR, JNIMS during the period May 2017- Feb 2018. 56 consecutive clinically diagnosed prolapsed PIVD patients were enrolled. Lengths of spinous process and skin thickness were measured using a caliper. A 22G Quincke needle was advanced to the expected depth given by digital xray measurement. 1 ml of Iohexol dye was injected. Position of needle was checked by C-arm x-ray. Results: Out of the total 56 subjects, 46 (82.1%) completed the treatment program. Needle was placed at proper depth in 36 cases by using Xray measurement, giving success rate of 87.8%. Mean (SD) depth of epidural space from skin was found to be 3.82 (o.74) cm as measured from X-ray and actual measurement confirmed by fluoroscopy was 3.9 (0.81) cm (Pearson’s correlation coefficient =0.86). Conclusion: Measurement of depth of epidural space using plain X-ray of LS spine improves the success rate of blind MILESI from around 50% to 87.8%. This method of non-real time imaging is cost effective in developing countries where C-arm X-ray facilities are not available

Neuroimaging study of interlaminar percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To utilize the magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) as a feasible tool for measuring the anatomical parameters of lumbar spinal nerves, and further to evaluate the neuro-safety of interlaminar percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.Methods Thirty healthy adult volunteers without significant history of low back pain or lumbar deformity were selected in our hospital from September 2016 to December 2016. All subjects accepted MRN. The nerve roots of L2-S1 were measured at the starting point of dural sac, and the angles between nerve roots and dural sac were measured. The distances between L2-L5 nerve roots and the edge of ipsilateral dural sac were measured and analyzed statistically.Results All MRN showed a gradual increase in the origin of the nerve roots from L2 to S1. The origin of the root was found to be below the corresponding disc for the L2 to L4 roots. There were 70％ of the L5 roots originated below the L4/5 disc, 26.7％ at the L4/5 disc, and 3.3％ above the L4/5 disc; about 70％ of the S1 roots originated above the L5/S1 disc. There were no statistically significant differences in the angles between dural sac and both left and right nerve roots (P>0.05). The angels between the nerve root and the dural sac from L5 and S1 was smaller than those from L2, L3, and L4 (P<0.05); that from S1 was significantly smaller than that from L5 (P<0.05). The distance of the nerve root and the ipsilateral dural sac was significantly increased in each side from L2 to L5 (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the distances between the left and right nerve roots and the edge of the ipsilateral dural sac in the same segment (P>0.05).Conclusion MRN is a feasible tool to measure the anatomical parameters of the lumbar spinal nerve, and there is a safe neurological area of the percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy through the interlaminar approach.

Guía de instrucción en endoscopia de columna avanzado / Instruction guide in advanced endoscopy of the Spine

La evolución de las técnicas quirúrgicas tradicionales y los modelos de formación de los cirujanos exigen cambios, por esta razón el centro de investigación y entrenamiento en cirugía de mínima invasión (CLEMI) ha desarrollado y aplicado modelos de enseñanza que permiten entrenar técnicas quirúrgicas mínimamente invasivas como la endoscopia de columna. CLEMI propone un modelo basado en simulación impartido en un ambiente controlado, estructurado y progresivo que vaya al ritmo individual de cada uno de los participantes. Inicialmente el asistente encontrará conceptos teóricos de instrumental, equipos y la técnica quirúrgica, posteriormente en la fase práctica se aplicarán los conceptos adquiridos usando un modelo sawbone de columna lumbar y finalmente se realizará la practica en un modelo anatómico humano sobre el que se desarrollan de manera completa y guiada los diferentes procedimientos endoscópicos usados a nivel lumbar. El entrenamiento en modelos bajo un ambiente controlado disminuye el período de aprendizaje y eleva la competencia del estudiante.

The evolution of traditional surgical techniques and training models of surgeons require changes. For this reason the centre of research and training in minimally invasive surgery (CLEMI) has developed and applied teaching models that help in the training of minimally invasive surgical techniques such as the endoscopy of the spine. CLEMI proposes a model based on simulation taught in a controlled, structured, and progressive environment that is adjusted to the individual rhythm of each of the participants. The student will initially encounter the theoretical concepts of instruments, equipment, and the surgical technique. This will be followed by a practical phase in which the acquired concepts will be applied using a sawbone model of the lumbar spine. Finally the practice will be carried out on a human anatomical model on which they develop, in a complete and guided manner, the different endoscopic procedures used at the lumbar level. Model training in a controlled environment decreases the learning period and increases student skills.

Treatment of displacement-type lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion on L2-L5 with percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the operative characteristic, safety, clinical effect of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) in treating displacement-type lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion on L₂-L₅.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Form November 2015 to October 2016, 15 patients with displacement-type lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion were treated with percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy. There were 9 males and 6 females, aged from 19 to 63 years old with an average of 42 years. All the patients with single-segment displacement-type lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion were diagnosed by clinical and iconography data, and complicated with low back pain and single lower limbs radioactivity pain. Lesion occurred in L₄,₅ of 8 cases, L₃,₄ of 4 cases, L₂,₃ of 3 cases. The patients were divided into 4 regions according to Lee standard (displaced nucleus pulposus location on spinal canal), I region was 2 cases, II region was 3 cases, III region was 5 cases, IV region was 5 cases.Preoperative, postoperative 3 months, final follow-up, lumbago-leg pain and lumbar function were assessed by VAS, JOA scores;at final follow-up, MacNab was used to evaluate the clinical effect;postoperative 3 months, rechecked lumbar MRI to observe discectomy condition.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the operations were successfully complete under local anesthesia, and no complications such as injuries of nerve root and dural sac, postoperative hemorrhage, local infection were found. Operative time was 45 to 90 min with an average of 54.8 min;and hospitalization time was 3 to 4 days with an average of 3 days. All 15 cases were followed up for 12 to 13 months with an average of 12.2 months, no recurrence was found. Preoperation, postoperative 3, 12 months, VAS scores were 8.2±1.4, 3.0±0.6, 1.7±0.5, JOA scores were 8.76±3.32, 23.61±2.14, 24.82±3.43, respectively. Postoperative VAS, JOA scores were obviously improved(<0.05). According to MacNab standard to evaluate the clinical effect, 9 cases obtained excellent results, 5 good, 1 fair.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PEID is a micro-trauma surgical method and has advantage of safe and effective in treating displacement-type lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion on L₂-L₅, but requires laminoplasty during operation, and under local anesthesia to operation maybe can induce neurostimulation.</p>

Treatment of calcified L5S1 lumbar disc herniation with percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy: A report of 15 cases and literature review / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect and treatment strategy of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) in the treatment of calcified L5S1 lumbar disc herniation. Methods: A total of 15 patients with calcified L5S1 lumbar disc herniation were selected and treated with PEID combined with variable power system. The Visual Analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODD scores of the patients were evaluated before operation, and Id, 1 week, 3 months, 6 months after operation. Macnab score was used to evaluate the curative effect of the patients 6 months after operation. Results: The scores of VAS and ODI of the patients Id, 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after operation were significantly lower than those before operation (P<0. 05); the modified Macnab score showed that the excellent and good rate was 86. 67%; the postoperative image results showed that the calcification area of intervertebral disc was removed, the nerve root was decompressed effectively, and there were no nerve root injury, cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection. Conclusion: PEID combined with variable power system can effectively treat the calcified L5S1 lumbar disc herniation with the advantages of less trauma, short operation time and short recovery period.

Comparison of transforaminal and interlaminar epidural steroid injections for the treatment of chronic lumbar pain / Comparação das técnicas transforaminal e interlaminar de injeções epidurais de esteroides para o tratamento de dor lombar crônica

Abstract Study design: A cross-sectional study. Objective: We compared the 12 month outcomes of fluoroscopically guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections with interlaminar epidural steroid injections for the treatment of chronic lumbar spinal pain. Chronic lower back pain is a multifactorial disorder with many possible etiologies. The lifetime prevalence of spinal pain is reportedly 65-80% in the neck and lower back. Epidural injection of corticosteroids is a commonly used intervention for managing chronic spinal pain. Methods: Patients who did not benefit from previous treatments were included in this study. Injections were performed according to magnetic resonance imaging findings at the nearest level of lumbar pathology; 173 patients received interlaminar epidural steroid injections and 126 patients received transforaminal epidural steroid injections. All of the patients were regularly followed up for 12 months using a verbal numeric rating scale. Magnetic resonance imaging findings, complications, verbal numeric rating scale, and satisfaction scores were recorded. Results: Lumbar disk pathology was the most frequently encountered problem. The interlaminar epidural steroid injections were preferred at the L4-L5 intervertebral level. Verbal numeric rating scale scores significantly decreased during the 12-month period compared to basal scores (p < 0.001). Significant differences between the two groups according to verbal numeric rating scale and satisfaction scores were not observed (p > 0.05). There were no major complications; however, the interlaminar epidural steroid injections group had 22 (12.7%) minor complications, and the transforaminal epidural steroid injections group had 12 (9.5%) minor complications. Conclusions: This study showed that interlaminar epidural steroid injections can be as effective as transforaminal epidural steroid injections when performed at the nearest level of lumbar pathology using fluoroscopy in 12-month intervals.

Resumo Desenho do estudo: Estudo transversal. Objetivo: Comparamos os desfechos de 12 meses de injeções peridurais de esteroides usando a técnica transforaminal (IPETF) guiada por fluoroscopia com as injeções peridurais de esteroides usando a técnica interlaminar (IPEIL) para o tratamento da dor lombar crônica. A dor lombar crônica é uma doença multifatorial com muitas etiologias possíveis. Relata-se que a prevalência de dor na coluna durante a vida é de 65%-80% no pescoço e parte inferior das costas. A injeção peridural de corticosteroides é uma intervenção comumente usada para controlar a dor crônica da coluna vertebral. Métodos: Pacientes que não obtiveram benefício de tratamentos anteriores foram incluídos neste estudo. As injeções foram realizadas de acordo com os achados em Ressonância Magnética (RM) ao nível mais próximo da patologia lombar; 173 pacientes receberam IPEIL e 126 pacientes receberam IPETF. Todos os pacientes foram acompanhados regularmente por 12 meses, usando uma escala numérica verbal (ENV) para a classificação. Achados em RM, complicações, escores ENV e índices de satisfação foram registrados. Resultados: Patologia em disco lombar foi o problema mais frequentemente encontrado. IPEIL foi preferido ao nível intervertebral de L4-L5. Os escores da ENV diminuíram significativamente durante o período de 12 meses em comparação com os valores basais (p < 0,001). Não houve diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos de acordo com a ENV e os índices de satisfação (p > 0,05). Não houve grandes complicações, mas houve complicações menores em 22 (12,7%) no grupo IPEIL e 12 (9,5%) no grupo IPETF. Conclusões: Este estudo mostrou que IPEIL pode ser tão eficaz como IPETF quando realizadas ao nível mais próximo da patologia lombar usando a fluoroscopia em intervalos de 12 meses.

Comparison of clinical efficacy in epidural steroid injections through transforaminal or parasagittal approaches

BACKGROUND: The transforaminal (TF) epidural steroid injection (ESI) is suggested as more effective than the interlaminar (IL) route due to higher delivery of medication at the anterior epidural space. However, serious complications such as spinal cord injury and permanent neural injury have been reported. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness, technical ease, and safety of the TF and parasagittal IL (PIL) ESI. METHODS: A total of 72 patients were randomized to either the PIL group (n = 41) or the TF group (n = 31) under fluoroscopic guidance. Patients were evaluated for effective pain relief by the numerical rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (%) before and 2 weeks after the ESI. The presence of concordant paresthesia, anterior epidural spread, total procedure time, and exposed radiation dose were also evaluated. RESULTS: Both the PIL and TF approach produced similar clinically significant improvements in pain and level of disability. Among the 72 patients, 27 PIL (66%) and 20 TF (64%) patients showed concordant paresthesia while 14 (34%) and 11 (36%) patients in the same respective order showed disconcordant or no paresthesia. Radiation dose and total procedure time required were compared; the PIL group showed a significantly lower radiation dose (30.2 ± 12 vs. 80.8 ± 26.8 [Cgy/cm²]) and shorter procedure time (96.2 ± 31 vs. 141.6 ± 30 seconds). CONCLUSIONS: ESI under fluoroscopic guidance with PIL or TF approach were effective in reducing the NRS and ODI. PIL ESI was a technically easier and simple method compared to TF ESI.

The optimization scheme of posterior percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar decompression for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国基层医药

Objective To observe the surgical results of modified percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar decompression(PEID) and traditional PEID in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS),and to explore the optimizations scheme of PEID for DLSS.Methods 60 patients (36 males and 24 females) were brought into the research for DLSS.According to the different operation ways,the patients were randomly divided into the modified PEID group(observation group) and traditional PEID group (control group) according to the digital table method,30 cases in each group.The surgical outcome,indicators included the change in spinal canal,visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at pre-operation,postoperative 3 d,postoperative 3 months and postoperative 6 months,operation time,headache and painful stiff nape incidence in the operation,postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results The VAS scores (postoperative 3 days,postoperative 3 months and postoperative 6 months) of the observation group were (4.37 ± 1.20) points,(2.59 ± 1.30) points,(1.29 ± 1.21)points respectively,which of the control group were (4.45 ± 1.22)points,(2.67 ± 1.36)points,(1.17 ± 1.10)points respectively,which were significantly better than (7.93 ± 1.56)points of the observation group and (8.22 ± 1.70) points of the control group before operation,the differences were statistically significant (F =1 254.387,512.762,all P ＜ 0.05).The ODI scores (postoperative 3 days,postoperative 3 months and postoperative 6 months) of the observation group were (48.64 ± 19.59) points,(27.66 ± 10.22) points,(10.69 ± 8.87) points respectively,which of the control group were (47.22 ± 20.96) points,(25.17 ± 11.93) points,(10.16 ± 7.89) points respectively,which were significantly better than (75.20 ± 23.20) points of the observation group and (70.35 ± 28.66) points of the control group before operation,the differences were statistically significant(F =1 254.387,512.762,all P ＜ 0.05).The VAS and ODI scores (pre-operation,postoperative 3 days,postoperative 3 months andpostoperative 6 months) of the observation group and control group had no statistically significant differences (VAS:t =2.088,2.124,3.021,3.173;ODI:t =2.366,1.079,1.694,1.573,all P ＞ 0.05).The incidence of neck pain and operation time of the observation group were 20.69％,(63 ± 7) min,which were significantly lower than 87.50％ and (157 ± 8)rin of the control group,the differences were statistically significant(t =3.601,2.167,all P ＜ 0.05).The central sagittal diameter of the spinal canal and the central transverse diameter of the spinal canal between the observation group and the control group had no statistically significant differences (x2 =4.260,t =3.694,all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Modified PEID has advantages in surgical efficiency,operation time and headache and painful stiff nape incidence compared with traditional PEID,so it can be chosen for DLSS.

Microdiscectomia lombar: acessos interlaminar e intertransverso com uso de afastador de Caspar tubular cilíndrico e dreno de Penrose como auxiliar no afastamento da musculatura ­ estudo de 502 casos / Lumbar Microdiscectomy: Interlaminar and Intertransverso Access using Tubular Retractor Caspar Cylindrical and Penrose Drain as an Aid in Muscular Retraction ­ Study of 502 Cases

Os autores fazem uma revisão da literatura abordando conhecimentos neuroanatômicos da raiz e do gânglio da raiz dorsal. Descrevem a técnica para os acessos interlaminar e intertransverso com o uso de afastador de Caspar tubular cilíndrico e dreno de Penrose como auxiliares no afastamento da musculatura. Basearam-se em 502 casos operados em 25 anos. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever uma técnica com incisão pequena na pele, baixa agressividade para as estruturas anatômicas, sem perda funcional da musculatura paravertebral, campo cirúrgico amplo, facilidade de execução com as duas mãos, alta hospitalar precoce em torno de 24 horas e baixo custo.

The authors review the literature addressing neuro-anatomical knowledge of the root and root ganglion dorsal. Describe the technique for the interlaminar and intertransverso access using tubular retractor Caspar cylindrical Penrose drain as an aid in muscular retraction. Based-seem 502 cases operated in 25 years. The objective of this paper is to describe a technique with small skin incision, low aggressiveness anatomical structures without functional loss of paraspinal musculature, broad surgical field, easy work with both hands, high early hospital about 24 hours and low cost.