Clinical application of unilateral decompression,interbody fusion and pedicle screw fixation under endoscopic system / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective]To explore the feasibility and efficiency of treatment of lumbar degenerative disease with unilateral decompression,interbody fusion and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation under endoscopic system.[Method]From June 2004 to March 2007,20 patients underwent minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF) or posterior lumbar interbody interbody fusion(PLIF),which consisted of 11 male and 9 female patients.The mean age was 46.2 years(range,31～70),and the preoperative diagnosis consisted of postoperative recurrent lumbar disc herniation(n =8),far lateral lumbar disc herniation(n =4),spinal stenosis(n = 3),lumbar instability(n = 3),and discogenic lumbar pain(n =2).One-level decompression and intebody fusion with unilateral pedicle screw fixation under endoscopic system was performed in all of cases(12 at L4、5,and 8 at L5S1).A paramedian,muscle-sparing approach was performed through a tubular retractor docked unilaterally on the facet joint.A total facetectomy was then conducted,exposing and removing the disc(TLIF),or microendoscopic discectomy(MED) was performed(PLIF).The intervertebral space preparation were completed through the X-tube or METRx system.Interbody fusion was achieved with autograft bone and interbody cages.Unilateral pedicle screw-rod placement was accomplished.[Result]There was no conversions to open surgery.Operative time averaged 115 minutes(range,100～165 min).Blood loss averaged 130 ml(range,50～180 ml).Mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 11 days(range,7～15 days).All patients presenting with preoperative low back pain and /or lower extremity radicular pain(n= 20) had resolution of symptoms postoperatively.Complications included two cases of new radiculopathy postoperatively(one from graft dislodgement,the other from hematoma formation).Twenty patients were followed up 10～39 months(average 21.6 months).The preoperative,1 month postoperative and last follow-up Oswestry Disability Index(ODI scores were 42.05+8.36,21.33?6.37 and 12.31?3.75 separately(P