Early Surgical Results of Minimally Invasive Posterior Foraminotomy using Tubular Retractor for Cervical Radiculopathy / 대한척추외과학회지

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of the clinical and surgical outcomes in 13 patients in which minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy was performed. OBJECTIVES: To report early surgical results of cervical posterior foraminotomy using a tubular retractor with minimally invasive deep muscle splitting. SUMMARY OF LITERTURE REVIEW In previous studies of the posterior approach, good outcomes were established. The limitations of the posterior approach used to treat compression that was centrally located in the spinal canal were obvious, so the anterior approach was subsequently performed. Moreover, peri-incisional pain and discomfort related to the subperiosteal detachment of the muscle and ligament were the main limitations of this posterior approach. The use of the microendoscope allows very limited exposure with minimal tissue destruction, and has recently been used by various surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical results obtained in 13 patients who underwent posterior foraminotomy from Jan 2005 through Apr 2006 were assessed using a modified Prolo outcome scale. The posterior foraminotomy was performed in a minimally invasive fashion using a tubular retractor with muscle splitting dissection. RESULTS: Eleven of 13 patients showed immediate relief of radiculopathy. Postoperative posterior cervical pain and spasm were negligible, and no surgically related complication was noted. During the follow-up period, 12 of 13 patients demonstrated a good outcome based on the modified Prolo outcome scale. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior foraminotomy using a tubular retractor is a minimally invasive surgical option for treating cervical radiculopathy and alleviating post-incisional discomfort on the neck.