Anterior approach microendoscopic discectomy for cervical spondylosis:A report of 21 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical application of anterior approach microendoscopic discectomy for cervical spondylosis. Methods Clinical data of 21 cases of cervical spondylosis from October 2001 to June 2002 treated by anterior approach decompression with bone allograft or autograft for cervical fusion by means of microendoscopic discectomy system were reviewed. Results The mean intraoperative blood loss was 150 ml. The drainage was removed 48 hours and the stitches taken out 5 days after the operations. The mean hospital stay was 10 days. All the patients got out of bed for motion wearing a cervical collar 2 days after the operations. Follow-up ranged 6～12 months with a mean of 9 months.The outcome was determined using Odom grading. Of the 21 cases, 16 were classified as excellent results, 4 as good, 1 as poor, the rate of excellent or good results being 95%.Complications were found in 3 casesrupture of threaded fusion cage in 1 case;hoarseness in 1 case;and multiple infarction of brain stem in 1 case. Conclusions Anterior approach microendoscopic discectomy in the treatment of cervical spondylosis has the advantages of minimal invasion and rapid recovery. It offers a clear surgical vision for vertebral posterior margin and effective protection for blood vessels and nerves, conforming to the standards of minimally invasive surgery.