Original Designed Uniportal-Bichannel Spinal Endoscopic System (UBiSES) for Foraminoplasty in Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The study introduced uniportal-bichannel spinal endoscopic system (UBiSES) and explored the feasibility of applying UBiSES to conduct lumbar foraminoplasty in percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD). METHODS: This is a cohort study. 36 patients confirmed as L5/S1 lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in our hospital from March, 2019 to November, 2019 were enrolled. 36 patients were divided into two groups named the UBiSES group (n = 18, male: female = 8:10) and the TESSYS group (n = 18, male: female = 10:8). The average age of the UBiSES group and the TESSYS group were 40.94 ± 12.39 years old and 39.78 ± 13.02 years old respectively. PETD via uniportal-bichannel foraminoplasty assisted by UBiSES was adopted on the UBiSES group while PETD via conventional foraminoplasty was performed on the TESSYS group. One experienced surgeon with more than 4000 cases of lumbar surgery performed PETD on all patients. The demographic data, the duration of working cannula placement (minutes), decompression time (minutes), radiation exposure time (seconds), complications, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores and modified MacNab criteria were recorded and analyzed. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were conducted to evaluate the radiographic improvement. RESULTS: PETD via lumbar foraminoplasty was successfully performed in all cases. The follow-up points were 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The average follow-up period of all patients was 15.78 ± 2.29 months. There was no statistic difference in age (P = 0.81), sex (P = 0.51) and follow-up (P = 0.14) between two groups. The duration of working cannula placement was 19.08 ± 2.30 min in the UBiSES group and 24.90 ± 4.71 min in the TESSYS group and there was significant difference between two groups (P < 0.05). There was no statistic difference in decompression time between the UBiSES group (44.18 ± 5.70 min) and the TESSYS group (47.46 ± 5.96 min) (P = 1.70). The radiation exposure time was 28.00 ± 4.70 s in the UBiSES group and 40.50 ± 5.73 s in the TESSYS group respectively, and has significant difference between two groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was significant different in the duration of working cannula placement and radiation exposure time in male or female between the UBiSES group and the TESSYS group (P < 0.05). For male or female, no difference observed in decompression time and follow-up period between two groups. Postoperative VAS of low back and leg at every follow-up point (1 day, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months) was improved significantly in both groups compared with their preoperative VAS (P < 0.05). The postoperative ODI (3 months, 6 months, 12 months) has decreased significantly in both the UBiSES group and the TESSYS group compared with their preoperative ODI (P < 0.05). 94.44% patients received an excellent or good recovery in the UBiSES group and 88.89% for the TESSYS group. There was no poor result reported in both groups. The radiographic images showed satisfactory foraminoplasty and sufficient decompression of nerve in both groups. No postoperative complications were observed during follow-ups in the UBiSES group. Two patients in the TESSYS group experienced postoperative dysesthesia and the symptom was disappeared in 5 days and 7 days respectively with dexamethasone and neurotrophic drugs treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The original designed UBiSES could effectively and safely enlarge the foramen with an extensive surgical view and space under full-time and real-time visualization and get satisfactory efficacy.

Application of a targeted and quantificational foraminoplasty device in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for L5-S1 disc herniation: preliminary clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) is minimally invasive and has been widely used to treat patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) due to its safety and efficiency. However, due to the unique anatomy of the L5-S1 level, the PTED procedure is often difficult to perform in the region. ZESSYS, a targeted and quantificational foraminoplasty device, may help to overcome these anatomical limitations. In this study, we assessed the efficiency and the short-term effects of PTED with ZESSYS at the L5-S1 level. METHODS: Between January and August of 2018, fifty-six patients with lumbar disc herniation at the single level of L5-S1 and who underwent percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. They were segregated into the transforaminal endoscopic surgical system (TESSYS) group and the ZESSYS group. The puncture time, foraminoplasty time, decompression time, and fluoroscopy time were evaluated for operation efficiency. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. The MacNab criteria were used to evaluate patient subjective satisfaction at 12-month follow-up postoperatively. RESULTS: The average puncture time (5.29 ± 2.05 min), foraminoplasty time (12.82 ± 2.52 min), and fluoroscopy time (26.29 ± 5.96 s) were all significantly shorter in the ZESSYS group than in the TESSYS group (average puncture time 8.07 ± 3.13 min, p < 0.01; foraminoplasty time, 17.18 ± 2.92 min, p < 0.01; fluoroscopy time, 34.73 ± 6.86 s; p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in the decompression time (p = 0.057). The VAS score of low back pain and leg pain, as well as the ODI score, improved at all time points postoperatively compared with preoperative, in both the TESSYS group and the ZESSYS group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the VAS score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, and ODI score between the TESSYS group and the ZESSYS group at the same time points (P > 0.05). According to the MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rate at 12-month follow-up postoperatively was 85.7% in the TESSYS group and 89.3% in the ZESSYS group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The targeted and quantificational foraminoplasty device named ZESSYS was more efficient in the puncture and foraminoplasty procedures, effectively protecting the exiting nerve and minimizing the level of radiation exposure. The device is efficient and safe for PTED in treating lumbar disc herniation at the L5-S1 level.

Full-Endoscopic Foraminoplasty Using a Visualized Bone Reamer in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Retrospective Study of 80 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has been widely used, before which foraminoplasty is necessary to widen the foramen for subsequent procedures. However, the learning curve of this technology is high, as the use of traditional reamers requires repeated intraoperative fluoroscopy. We sought to compare the clinical outcomes by using the visualized and traditional reamers in PELD foraminoplasty for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: Eighty patients with lumbar disc herniation who were treated with PELD between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups (40 patients in the Visualized Bone Reamer group) and (40 patients in the Traditional Bone Reamer group). Intraoperative fluoroscopy time, cannulation introduction time, visual analog scale, and Macnab criteria score were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The mean follow-up durations were 17.41 ± 1.47 and 18.37 ± 1.69 months in the visualized and traditional groups, respectively. The average cannulation introduction time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times in the visualized group is significantly lower than those in traditional group (29.20 ± 3.31 vs. 39.85 ± 3.98 minutes, P < 0.001; and 12.30 ± 2.38 vs. 20.65 ±3.51 seconds, P < 0.001, respectively). One patient in the traditional group required reoperation, and no complications occurred in the visualized group. There were no severe durotomies or vascular or visceral injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Full-endoscopic foraminoplasty using a visualized reamer is safe and effective and can decrease intraoperative fluoroscopy time in PELD.

Full-Endoscopic Foraminotomy with a Novel Large Endoscopic Trephine for Severe Degenerative Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis at L5 S1 Level: An Advanced Surgical Technique.

To (i) introduce the technical notes of a novel full-endoscopic foraminotomy with a large endoscopic trephine for the treatment of severe degenerative lumbar foraminal stenosis at L5 S1 level; (ii) assess the primary clinical outcomes of this technique; (iii) compare the effectiveness of this full-endoscopic foraminotomy technique and other previous techniques for lumbar foraminal stenosis. From January 2019 to August 2019, a retrospective study of L5 S1 severe degenerative lumbar foraminal stenosis was performed in our center. All patients who were diagnosed with severe foraminal stenosis at L5 S1 level and failed conservative treatment for at least 6 weeks were identified. Patients with segmental instability or other coexisting contraindications were excluded. A total of 21 patients were enrolled in the study. All patients were treated by full-endoscopic foraminotomy using large endoscopic trephine. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery, and the modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes at the last follow-up. There were 10 males and 11 females with a mean age of 66.38 ± 9.51 years. Five patients had a history of lumbar surgery. The mean operative time was 63.57 ± 25.74 min. The mean follow-up time was 13.29 ± 1.38 months. The mean postoperative hospital stay time was 1.29 ± 0.56 days. The mean preoperative VAS score significantly decreased from 7.38 ± 1.02 to 2.76 ± 1.09 (t = 19.759, P < 0.01), 2.25 ± 1.02 (t = 21.508, P < 0.01), 1.60 ± 1.05 (t = 31.812, P < 0.01), and 1.45 ± 1.10 (t = 25.156, P < 0.01) at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the operation. The mean preoperative ODI score significantly decreased from 64.66% ± 4.91% to 30.69% ± 4.59% (t = 33.724, P < 0.01), 29.44% ± 4.50% (t = 32.117, P < 0.01), 24.22% ± 4.14% (t = 33.951, P < 0.01), and 22.44% ± 4.94% (t = 30.241, P < 0.01) at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the operation. At the last follow-up, 19 patients (90.48%) got excellent or good outcomes. One patient suffered postoperative dysesthesia, and the symptoms were controlled by conversion treatment. One patient took revision surgery due to the incomplete decompression. There were no other major complications. Percutaneous endoscopic decompression is minimally invasive spine surgery. However, the application of endoscopic decompression for L5 S1 foraminal stenosis is relatively difficult due to the high iliac crest and narrow foramen. Full-endoscopic foraminotomy with the large endoscopic trephine is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of degenerative lumbar foraminal stenosis.

Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy and Foraminotomy with Modified Radiofrequency Nerve Stimulator and Continuous Electromyography Under General Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar approaches involve working in Kambin's triangle. These procedures are performed on awake patients or under general anesthesia with continuous electromyography. Potential morbidity of this approach includes injury to exiting and traversing nerve roots, as substantial dissection or cauterization of overlying tissues is required for visualization. METHODS: We developed a novel connection system that accepts input from a bipolar radiofrequency probe to allow direct nerve stimulation in conjunction with electromyography. This study included 30 consecutive patients undergoing transforaminal endoscopic lumbar approaches for discectomies (73.3%), foraminal stenosis (23.3%), or lateral recess stenosis (3.3%). Demographic, operative, and outcomes data were collected. RESULTS: Average age of patients was 61.4 years, and the L4-5 segment was most commonly treated (65.6%). Electrophysiologic mapping of the exiting nerve root was attempted in 28 patients with an average stimulation threshold of 8.6 ± 0.9 mA. Mapping of the traversing nerve root was attempted in 12 patients with an average stimulation threshold of 6.0 ± 0.8 mA. There were no instances of new postoperative sensorimotor deficits or dysesthesia. These findings persisted through mean and median follow-up of 294 days and 165 days, respectively. No patient required subsequent lumbar surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified instrumentation and technique allow for accurate identification of the exiting and traversing nerve roots with minimal changes to the workflow of transforaminal endoscopic lumbar approaches. Modification of a bipolar radiofrequency device connection arrangement is simple, inexpensive, and reusable. In this study, no patients developed injury or pain related to nerve root dysfunction.

A Novel Targeted Foraminoplasty Device Improves the Efficacy and Safety of Foraminoplasty in Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: Preliminary Clinical Application of 70 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has become a mature and mainstream surgical technique for treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH); however, there is a steep learning curve with PELD, especially for puncture and foraminoplasty. In this study, we assessed the outcome and safety of a novel quantificational and targeted foraminoplasty device named ZESSYS for LDH. METHODS: From September to December of 2016, 70 patients with symptomatic LDH were enrolled in the study. The patients were assigned randomly to either the ZESSYS group or the conventional TESSYS group. We recorded the cannula introduction time, decompression time, radiation exposure time, intraoperative pain feeling score, visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Macnab criteria score of the 2 groups. The mean follow-up period was 14 months. RESULTS: The average cannula introduction time (16.50 ± 3.29 minutes) and the radiation exposure time (40.71 ± 6.23 seconds) in the ZESSYS group were significantly reduced compared with the TESSYS group (cannula introduction time, 20.06 ± 3.37 minutes, P = 0.000; radiation exposure time, 49.20 ± 7.84 seconds, P = 0.000). Intraoperative pain feeling score in the ZESSYS group was significantly improved compared with the TESSYS group (P = 0.021). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups for decompression time (P = 0.617), Macnab criteria (P = 0.769), or visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores at the same time point (P > 0.05). No serious complication was observed in any patients in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The novel targeted foraminoplasty technique with the specially designed double-cannulas is an effective and safe treatment for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. It reduces the difficulty of PELD learning, minimizes radiation exposure, and decreases intraoperative pain associated with foraminoplasty.

Technique of Minimally Invasive Cervical Foraminotomy.

BACKGROUND: Posterior cervical foraminotomy is a long utilized and commonly performed procedure, but has been supplanted in many cases by anterior procedures. With the advent of minimally invasive techniques, posterior foraminotomy may again deserve a prominent place in the treatment of cervical foraminal stenosis. OBJECTIVE: To report in detail a successfully utilized minimally invasive technique and the results in a large series of patients, by a single author. METHODS: The technique is described and illustrated in detail. A retrospective review of the use of this technique in a large series is reported. RESULTS: Precise details of the technique are described with specific attention to complication avoidance. In over 360 cases, there have been no nerve root injuries other than idiopathic C5 palsies, no wound infections, and a single durotomy that required no specific treatment. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy is a well-tolerated and effective procedure which can be performed with minimal complications when attention to detail is maintained.

Posterior Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Foraminotomy and Diskectomy With Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy.

This report describes a new, minimally invasive procedure, posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical diskectomy, performed with a unilateral biportal endoscopic approach. The procedure is used to treat cervical foraminal soft disk protrusion. This report also describes the short-term results with this procedure. In 2015, 14 patients underwent this new, minimally invasive procedure. The technique was applied with a standard arthroscopy device and conventional spine instruments. The Neck Disability Index and visual analog scale scores for the neck and upper arm were evaluated, and 13 consecutive patients were included in the analysis. Mean follow-up was 14.8 months (range, 12-18 months). The Neck Disability Index decreased from 27.0±2.5 to 6.8±1.4 at the last follow-up (P<.05). Visual analog scale scores for the neck and upper arm also decreased significantly (neck, 6.2±0.8 to 2.4±0.9; upper arm, 7.0±1.1 to 2.2±0.6). Posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical diskectomy with a uniportal endoscope provides a clear operative field because of continuous endoscopic saline irrigation and requires only a short hospitalization and no postoperative rehabilitation. Posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical diskectomy with a unilateral biportal endoscopic approach also can be performed efficiently because of the wide field of visualization and familiar surgical field. Thus, posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical diskectomy with the unilateral biportal endoscopic approach may be an alternative procedure for cervical foraminal soft disk protrusion. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(5):e779-e783.].

Minimally Invasive Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: Freiburg Experience With 34 Patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: Assessment of outcome after minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy (MI-PCF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgical management of cervical radiculopathy represents a controversial area in spinal surgery. Preferred approaches include both anterior cervical discectomy and posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF). Numerous studies showed comparable results. Employing PCF eliminates risks associated with anterior approach. PCF as originally described by Spurling and Scoville necessitates extensive stripping of cervical muscles to expose the cervical spine, resulting in muscle injury, impaired muscle function, prolonged postoperative neck pain, and increased use of narcotics. There are only few studies investigating outcome after employing MI-PCF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 34 patients who underwent MI-PCF for presenting complaints, postoperative and follow-up outcome. RESULTS: In the last follow-up the weakness resolved completely in 62.6% of patients, in 4.1% improved and in 16.5% remained unchanged. In the last follow-up 76.7% of patients originally presenting with pain reported complete resolution of pain and 10% reported partial improvement of pain. In total, 23.5% of patients were lost during follow-up as far as pain was concerned. In the last follow-up, 75% of patients achieved relative neck-pain-freedom (Visual Analog Scale≤3) at rest and 62.5% of patients under strain. The mean neck pain on Visual Analog Scale at rest was 2.13 (SD=2.42) and 3.34 (SD=3.01) under strain. In total, 93.8% (n=15) of patients would undergo the same procedure for the same achieved result. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive cervical foraminotomy is an effective procedure for decompression of cervical nerve roots regardless the type of the stenosis. Even employing minimally invasive technique still causes neck pain in the long term affecting up to 25% of patients. More randomized control studies are required to clarify the benefits of minimally invasive PCF.

Modified Percutaneous Lumbar Foraminoplasty and Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: Instrument Design, Technique Notes, and 5 Years Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Conventional percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) with an "inside-outside" technique has 4.3% - 10.3% surgical failure rate, especially in central herniated discs (HDs), migrated HDs, and axillary type HDs. PELD with foraminoplasty has been used for complex HDs. Percutaneous lumbar foraminoplasty (PLF), which is performed with a trephine or bone reamer introduced over a guidewire without a protective working cannula in the original Tessys technique, can quickly cut the hypertrophied bony structure under fluoroscopic guidance, and risk injury to the exiting and traversing nerve roots. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Hospital and outpatient surgical center. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome and safety of modified PLF-PELD with a specially designed instrument for complex uncontained lumbar HDs. METHOD: From April of 2007 to April of 2009, 148 patients with uncontained lumbar HDs were treated with modified PLF-PELD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) checkup was performed the next morning after the operation. Outcomes of symptoms were evaluated by follow-up interviews at 3 months, 6 months, one year, and 5 years after surgery. Low back pain and leg pain were measured by visual analog scale (VAS) score (1 - 100). Functional outcomes were assessed by using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria. RESULTS: Follow-up data were obtained from 134 cases, including 14 cases on L3-4, 78 cases on L4-5, and 42 cases on L5-S1. One hundred-eight cases were prolapse type, while 26 cases were sequestration type. Pre-operative symptoms and deficits included nerve root dermatome hypoesthesia in 98 patients (73%), nerve root myotome muscle weakness in 32 patients (23%), and weakening or disappearance of tendon reflex in 43 patients (32%). No case required conversion to an open procedure during the surgery. Low back pain and leg pain were significantly relieved immediately after surgery in all patients. MRI examination showed adequate removal of HD in all patients. VAS scores and ODI values were significantly lower at all time points after surgery than before surgery. The percentage of pain relief in leg pain was significantly higher than that in low back pain (P < 0.01). But there was no significant correlation between duration of the preoperative symptoms and the percentage of pain relief. MacNab scores at 5 years after surgery were obtained from 134 patients. Seventy-five cases were rated "excellent"; 49 were rated "good," Five patients experienced heavier low back pain, thus being classified as "fair." Five cases with recurrence were rated "poor." Preoperative and postoperative (5 years follow-up) related nerve root function status was compared. Sensation and muscle strength recovered significantly (P < 0.01), while tendon reflex was not changed (P = 0.782). No patients had infections. Five patients were complicated with dysesthesia in distribution of the exiting nerve that was all operated at L5-S1. Complaints were reduced one week after treatment with medium frequency pulse electrotherapy. Five cases required a revision surgery after recurrence. LIMITATIONS: This is an observational clinical case series study without comparison. CONCLUSION: Modified PLF-PELD with a specially designed instrument is a less invasive, effective and safe surgery for complex uncontained lumbar DH.Key words: Lumbar disc herniation, minimally invasive treatment, foraminoplasty, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

Lumbar Neuroforaminal Decompression with a Flexible Microblade Shaver System: Results of a Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: The lumbar neural foraminal stenosis still is a challenging condition in minimally invasive spine surgery. Because of the anatomic situation a complete decompression of the nerve root often leads to a subtotal facetectomy associated with potential instability and the need for additional instrumentation of the decompressed segment. The iO-Flex system was introduced to address this problem by using a minimally invasive wire-guided microblade shaver to increase the neuroforaminal space by reducing the stenosis from intraforaminal while sparing bigger parts of the facet joint. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and the surgical and radiological success in relation to the experience of the surgeon. METHODS: We performed decompression of the neuroforamen in 10 lumbar levels of 2 fresh-frozen human cadavers. Before and after decompression, we obtained high-resolution computed tomography data to evaluate the diameter of the neural foramen. RESULTS: The mean foraminal width (7.88-10.94 mm, P < 0.0001) and area (123.27-149.18 mm2, P < 0.003) increased significantly after the decompression, whereas the facet joints area (131.9-107.51 mm2, P < 0.005) and width (16.4-13.75 mm, P < 0.001) indeed decreased significantly but with an overall reduction of facet joint width by 16% and facet joint area by 18%. No complications such as nerve root damages or dural tears were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The flexible micro blade shaver system is feasible with a steep learning curve and achieves sufficient decompression of the neuroforamen in this cadaveric study.

Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: Indications, Technique, and Outcomes.

Cervical radiculopathy presents with upper extremity pain, decreased sensation, and decreased strength caused by irritation of specific nerve root(s). After failure of conservative management, surgical options include anterior cervical decompression and fusion, disk arthroplasty, and posterior cervical foraminotomy. In this review, we discuss indications, techniques, and outcomes of posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy.

Transforaminal endoscopic treatment of lumbar radiculopathy after instrumented lumbar spine fusion.

BACKGROUND: Transforaminal endoscopic discectomy and foraminotomy is a well-described minimally invasive technique for surgically treating lumbar radiculopathy caused by a herniated disc and foraminal narrowing. OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique and feasibility of transforaminal foraminoplasty for the treatment of lumbar radiculopathy in patients who have already undergone instrumented spinal fusion. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Hospital and ambulatory surgery center METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, charts from 18 consecutive patients with lumbar radiculopathy and instrumented spinal fusions who underwent endoscopic procedures between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed. RESULTS: The average pain relief one year postoperatively was reported to be 67.0%, good results as defined by MacNab. The average preoperative VAS score was 9.14, indicated in our questionnaire as severe and constant pain. The average one year postoperative VAS score was 3.00, indicated in our questionnaire as mild and intermittent pain. LIMITATIONS: This is a retrospective study and only offers one year follow-up data for patients with instrumented fusions who have undergone endoscopic spine surgery. CONCLUSION: Transforaminal endoscopic discectomy and foraminotomy could be used as a safe, yet, minimally invasive and innovative technique for the treatment of lumbar radiculopathy in the setting of previous instrumented lumbar fusion. IRB approval: Meridian Health: IRB Study # 201206071J

A meta-analysis of cervical foraminotomy: open versus minimally-invasive techniques.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) may be performed using an open or minimally-invasive (MIS) approach using a tubular retractor. Although there are theoretical advantages such as less blood loss and shorter hospitalizations, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the best approach for treatment. PURPOSE: To assess clinical outcomes of PCF treated with either an open or an MIS approach using a tubular retractor. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of English language studies for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy treated with foraminotomy. PATIENT SAMPLE: Pooled patient results from Level I studies and Level IV retrospective studies. OUTCOME MEASURES: Meta-analysis for clinical success as determined by Odom and Prolo criteria, and visual analog scale scores for arm and neck pain. METHODS: A literature search of three databases was performed to identify investigations performed in the treatment of PCF with an open or MIS approach. The pooled results were performed by calculating the effect size based on the logit event rate. Studies were weighted by the inverse of the variance, which included both within and between-study errors. Confidence intervals (CIs) were reported at 95%. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I-squared, where I-squared is the estimate of the percentage of error due to between-study variation. RESULTS: The initial literature search resulted in 195 articles, of which, 20 were determined as relevant on abstract review. An open foraminotomy approach was performed in six; similarly, an MIS approach was performed in three studies. The pooled clinical success rate was 92.7% (CI: 88.9, 95.3) for open foraminotomy and 94.9% (CI: 90.5, 97.4) for MIS foraminotomy, which was not statistically significant (p=.418). The open group demonstrated relative homogeneity with Q value of 7.6 and I(2) value of 34.3%; similarly, the MIS group demonstrated moderate study heterogeneity with Q value of 4.44 and I(2) value of 54.94%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptomatic cervical radiculopathy from foraminal stenosis can be effectively managed with either a traditional open or an MIS foraminotomy. There is no significant difference in the pooled outcomes between the two groups.

Outcomes and complications following posterior long lumbar fusions exceeding three levels.

The outcomes and complications of posterior-only lumbar instrumented long fusions exceeding three segments with selective segmental transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis, kyphosis, or both combined with spondylolisthesis were analyzed to investigate risk factors associated with surgical instrumentation failure. Fifteen consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis, kyphosis, or both combined with spondylolisthesis were studied retrospectively. There were 5 male and 10 female patients, with a mean age of 71.8 years. All the patients were followed for a mean duration of 19.4 months postoperatively. Radiographic evaluation included coronal Cobb angle, lumbar lordosis (LL) angle, pelvic incidence (PI), and pelvic tilt (PT). The clinical outcomes were assessed by means of Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1-7 patients with surgical complications; group 2-8 patients without complications. The preoperative and postoperative coronal Cobb's angle were not significantly different between groups 1 and 2. The LL highly correlated with developing surgical complications. There were statistically significant differences in preoperative and postoperative LL and the mean difference between PI and the LL (PI-LL) between groups 1 and 2. Linear correlation and regression analysis showed that there was no correlation between JOA score and the coronal Cobb angle in degenerative scoliosis patients. However, we found a positive correlation between JOA and LL. Our series of long lumbar fusions had a high complication and instrumentation failure. Creating adequate LL angle in harmony with PI was a key to prevent surgical complications and attain neurological improvement.

Lumbar alignment and clinical outcome after single level asymmetrical transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis with local coronal imbalance.

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is widely accepted for the treatment of lumbar arthrodesis. However, the exact characteristics of TLIF depend on the number, location, shape, or materials of the interbody implants, and the type of posterior instrument. Clinical and biomechanical characteristics of each TLIF procedure are still unclear. The present study investigated the clinical and radiological improvements after single level asymmetrical TLIF, in which a single box-shaped spacer was obliquely inserted into the intervertebral space, for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis in patients with or without local coronal imbalance (LCI) at the operated level. The clinical records of 60 patients who underwent single level asymmetrical TLIF augmented with the pedicle screw fixation system from January 2005 to January 2011, were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into the LCI group (n = 19) and non-LCI group (n = 41), based on segmental lateral translation or disc wedging at the operated site. Clinical recovery was significantly good in both groups at 2 years after surgery, but improvement of low back pain was significantly worse in the LCI group. Radiological examination revealed that the mean lumbar scoliotic angle was significantly worse in the LCI group postoperatively. Preoperative greater scoliotic angle and coronal off balance of the lumbar spine were related to unfavorable radiological outcomes. The present study showed that single level asymmetrical TLIF is an acceptable method for achieving good clinical and radiological outcomes for patients with symptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis, however, the clinical benefits and realignment are limited if the patient has LCI at the operated site with greater scoliotic angle or coronal off balance of the lumbar spine.

Minimally invasive foraminotomy through tubular retractors via a contralateral approach in patients with unilateral radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Radiculopathy caused by foraminal nerve root compression is a common pathology in the lumbar spine. Surgical decompression via a conventional open foraminotomy is the treatment of choice when surgery is indicated. Minimally invasive tubular foraminotomy through a contralateral approach is a potentially effective surgical alternative. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the efficacy and benefits of this approach for treatment of radiculopathy. METHODS: Patients with unilaterally dominant lower extremity radiculopathy, who underwent minimally invasive lumbar foraminotomy through tubular retractors via a contralateral approach between 2010 and 2012, were included. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the latest follow-up. Functional outcome was evaluated by using the MacNab criteria. RESULTS: For the total 32 patients, postoperatively there was significant improvement in the ODI (P = .006), VAS back pain (P < .001), and VAS leg pain on the pathology and the approach side (P = .004, P = .021, respectively). At follow-up of 12.3 ± 1.7 months, there was also significant improvement in the ODI (P < .001), VAS back pain (P = .001), and VAS leg pain on the pathology and the approach side (P < .001, P = .001, respectively). The functional outcome was excellent and good in 95.2%. One patient required fusion (3.1%). CONCLUSION: A minimally invasive, facet-sparing contralateral approach is an effective technique for treatment of radiculopathy due to foraminal compression. It also allows for decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis and bilateral lateral recess decompression without the need for fusion.

Clinical success of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy with foraminotomy: a retrospective evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: Transforaminal endoscopic surgery has evolved from an intradiscal procedure to a true foraminal epidural procedure where both a targeted discectomy and foraminal decompression can be performed. The success of transforaminal decompression for radiculopathy using preoperative selective nerve root block as part of a treatment algorithm for single level and multilevel lumbar disc herniations is described here. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board Approval, charts from 195 patients with complaints of lower back and radicular pain who received one or more endoscopic discectomy procedures were reviewed. Visual Analog Scale was applied to each patient preoperatively and 6 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Patients with multi-level pathologies receiving one procedure have an average relief of 69.7% attributed to correct diagnosis of the inflicting level as opposed to 83.9% improvement in patients with a single level herniation. CONCLUSION: Patients with single level lumbar herniations receiving one endoscopic discectomy have excellent outcomes, but with a good response to a selective nerve root block as a preoperative adjunct, patients with multilevel disc herniations also have significant benefit from single level endoscopic discectomy.