Modified minimally invasive technique for decompression and reduction of thoracolumbar burst fracture with neurological symptoms: Technical Note.

PURPOSE: There are few reports about minimally invasive decompression and fixation for patients with thoracolumbar fracture and neurological symptoms. The previously reported method requires complete laminectomy, and removal of the medial part of the pedicle to expose the spinal canal for reduction. Thus, some approach-related damage to the bony structure and soft tissue still occurs. This study was performed to describe a modified minimally invasive tube technique for decompression and reduction of thoracolumbar fracture with neurological symptoms. This modified technique preserves most of the posterior structures of the spine as well as the muscle. METHODS: Percutaneous pedicle screws were placed on the vertebrae superior and inferior to the fracture and at the fracture segment on the side with less severe symptoms. After retraction, the tube for decompression was placed on the facet joint where the decompression was needed. Under microscopic vision, part of the lamina and ligamentum flavum were removed to expose the spinal canal, and an L-shaped probe was used to reduce the bone fragment. RESULTS: The modified method was successfully used in eight patients. Complete decompression was achieved and the bone fragment was safely reduced through the tube under microscopy in all cases. Fluoroscopy confirmed that the positioning of the percutaneous pedicle screw was good and the bone fragment was reduced. The neurological status was improved in all patients at last follow up. CONCLUSION: The modified method of minimally invasive decompression and fusion is effective in treating thoracolumbar fractures with neurological symptoms and preserves most of the ligaments and bone structure.

Modified minimally invasive-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion under microscopic view to achieve bilateral decompression and fusion through a single approach to treat developmental lumbar spinal stenosis.

PURPOSE: To describe a modified minimally invasive spine (MIS) procedure to treat lumbar developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) to achieve complete decompression and fusion. The method preserves the muscles, ligaments, and most of the bony structures. DSS is not considered a good indication for MIS procedures and few reports discuss alternative treatments. Because MIS has the advantages of low blood loss, rapid recovery, and short hospital stay, it would be ideal for DSS. METHODS: After confirming the screw positions, we placed a tube retractor in the facet joint on the decompressed side. The inferior facet joint and part of the superior joint of the lower segment were removed, the spinal canal was carefully exposed under a microscopic view, and fusion was performed through Kambin's triangle. Next, the operation table was rotated to the contralateral side and angled to approximately 15-20 degrees. We then tilted the tube retractor in the facet joint toward the operation side by 15-20 degrees, which provided access to the contralateral canal for decompression. The ligament flavum was carefully removed and the dural sac was gently retracted to expose the lateral recess on the other side. We then examined the nerve root on the contralateral side to ensure there was no compression. RESULTS: Eight patients with lumbar DSS were treated using this method. Patients' neurological symptoms improved greatly without complications and patients were able to walk the day after surgery. The inner plate of the contralateral lamina and muscle as well as most of the ligaments that contribute to stability were preserved. CONCLUSION: This modified MIS decompression procedure successfully treated DSS by providing spinal canal decompression and preserving most of the stabilizing structures.

A novel tube technique enables visualization of the anatomy of the facet joints and accurate placement of the Jamshidi needles with low radiation exposure: Technical note.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous pedicle screws(PPS) have been used for decades. The difficult part of PPS placement is locating the proper entry sites on the facet joints for the Jamshidi needles. The correct positioning is usually ensured by fluoroscopy, which exposes surgeons and patients to extensive radiation exposure. OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel retractor tube technique used in the placement of PPS, which enables visualization of the anatomy of the facet joints and enables accurate placement of the Jamshidi needles. METHODS: A newly designed 15-mm-diameter retractor tube was applied during the placement of Jamshidi needles in 21 operations using PPS to treat thoracolumbar fracture. The anatomy of the entry site could be clearly visualized, and a Kirschner wire was inserted 2 mm into each of the ideal entry sites. When all the Kirschner wires were placed, the annular tubes of the Jamshidi needles were placed along the Kirschner wires into the pedicles. Fluoroscopy was used to confirm the positions of the Jamshidi needles. The rest of the procedure was conducted in the traditional PPS placement technique. RESULTS: The entrance sites were successfully accessed through the retractor tube, with only one adjustment needed at most. Only one or two fluoroscopy images were taken during the placement of the Kirschner wires, and another image was taken after all the Jamshidi needles were placed. Fluoroscopy confirmed that the positioning of the PPS was good. CONCLUSION: A retractor tube accurately exposes the entry points on the facet joints in PPS placement, and is technically easy to use.