Posterior spinal approach microendoscopic discectomy for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation in adolescents / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore clinical results of posterior spinal approach microendoscopic disectomy(MED) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation in adolescents.Methods A total of 25 consecutive patients treated by MED from February 2000 to August 2004 in this hospital were analyzed retrospectively.Clinical results were assessed with the modified Macnab criterion.Pre-and post-operative symptoms and functional states were evaluated by the Chinese version Oswestry Disability Index(ODI).Results A conversion to open procedure was required in 1 patient.The operating time was 35～65 minutes(mean,44.8?9.0 minutes);the estimated blood loss during operation was 30～80 ml(mean,51.3?14.6 ml);the postoperative hospital stay was 6～10 days(mean,7.5?1.0 days).All incisions healed by first intention.There were no dural tears,nerve root injuries,intervertebral space infections,or great vessel injuries.Twentg-two patients were followed for 7～57 months(mean,33.4?17.8 months).There were significant differences between preoperative ODI(46.2%?8.5%) and postoperative ODI(1.8%?3.0%).The improvement rate of ODI was 44.4%?9.2%(t=21.61,P=0.00).Clinical results assessment by the modified Macnab criterion revealed "excellent" in 19 patients and "good" in 3 patients,the rate of excellent or good results being 100%. Conclusions Microendoscopic disectomy can be performed safely and effectively for lumbar disc herniation in adolescents,resulting in little trauma,fast recovery,and excellent clinical results.