Qualitative Evaluation of Paraspinal Musculature After Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: To quantify fatty infiltration and degree of paraspinal muscle degeneration in patients submitted to tubular microdiscectomy and conventional open microdiscectomy. METHODS: A prospective cohort of patients was submitted to microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation after failure of conservative treatment. Selection of the technique was based on the surgeon's preference. Analysis of the multifidus muscle was performed using the Goutallier system and the percentage of fat in the muscle. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was used, and statistical analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation test using a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included in the study. The percentage of fatty infiltration in the muscle increased on both sides of the spine 1 year after surgery, although only the ipsilateral side presented statistical significance in patients submitted to conventional microdiscectomy (43.3% preoperative and 57.8% postoperative). Muscular degeneration increased significantly ipsilateral to the disc herniation according to the Goutallier classification (grades 1-2) for both interventions. No statistically significant difference was found for fatty infiltration scores or for the degree of muscular degeneration of the multifidus in the comparative analysis of the methods. CONCLUSIONS: Muscular damage resulting from surgery of lumbar disc herniation significantly increases fatty infiltration and degeneration of the multifidus. Muscular degeneration was associated with worsening back pain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: While no significant difference was found between the techniques, the tubular minimally invasive approach shows a tendency for less muscle damage. These findings highlight the importance of minimizing muscle injury during surgery to improve postoperative recovery and long-term outcomes.

Effects of different surgical treatments on pain, disability, anxiety and quality of life in lumbar disc herniation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the effects of microscopic microdiscectomy and microendoscopic discectomy on pain, disability, fear of falling, kinesiophobia, anxiety, quality of life in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). METHODS: A total of 90 patients who underwent microscopic microdiscectomy (n = 40) and microendoscopic discectomy (n = 50) for LDH were included in this study. The patients' pain, disability, fear of falling, kinesiophobia, anxiety, and quality of life were evaluated before the surgery, in the early postoperative period and three months after. RESULTS: In patients who underwent microendoscopic discectomy, the results of pain, disability, fear of falling, kinesiophobia and anxiety were statistically decreased compared with the microscopic microdiscectomy in the early postoperative period and three months later (p < 0.05). Also, a statistically higher increase was observed in the general health perception of patients who underwent microendoscopic discectomy three months after the operation (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Microendoscopic microdiscectomy, remains the most effective and widely applied method with advantages on pain, quality of life, and improved physical functions.

OBJETIVO: Este estudio tiene como objetivo comparar los efectos de la microdiscectomía microscópica y la discectomía microendoscópica sobre el dolor, la discapacidad, el miedo a caer, la kinesiofobia, la ansiedad y la calidad de vida en pacientes con hernia de disco lumbar (LDH). MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron en este estudio un total de 90 pacientes sometidos a microdiscectomía microscópica (n = 40) y discectomía microendoscópica (n = 50) por LDH. Se evaluó el dolor, la discapacidad, el miedo a caer, la kinesiofobia, la ansiedad y la calidad de vida de los pacientes antes de la cirugía, en el postoperatorio temprano y tres meses después. RESULTADOS: En los pacientes sometidos a discectomía microendoscópica, los resultados de dolor, discapacidad, miedo a caer, kinesiofobia y ansiedad disminuyeron estadísticamente en comparación con la microdiscectomía microscópica en el postoperatorio temprano y tres meses después (p < 0.05). Además, se observó un aumento estadísticamente mayor en la percepción de salud general de los pacientes sometidos a discectomía microendoscópica tres meses después de la operación (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIÓN: La microdiscectomía microendoscópica sigue siendo el método más eficaz y ampliamente aplicado con ventajas sobre el dolor, la calidad de vida y la mejora de las funciones físicas.

Effects of neural mobilization in patients after lumbar microdiscectomy due to intervertebral disc lesion.

BACKGROUND: Neural mobilization (NM) techniques have been shown to improve the neural tissue's viscoelastic properties that may lead to recover of the function of the nerve after lumbar spine surgery. This study aimed to determine the effects of NM in addition to standard rehabilitation on lumbar and sciatic pain intensity, disability level, and quality of life in patients after receiving a microdiscectomy of the intervertebral lumbar disc (IVD). METHODS: Twenty-four participants (age 41.3 ± 8.3 years old) within 3-4 weeks of a microdiscectomy of an IVD were randomly allocated to control (CTRL; n = 12) or NM group (n = 12). The CTRL group received ten standard rehabilitation sessions. The NM group received the same rehabilitation sessions with the addition of NM techniques. The intensity of lumbar and sciatic pain (visual analogue scale), disability level (Oswestry disability index), and health-related quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Within-group analysis revealed a significant reduction in lumbar (p < 0.05) and sciatic pain intensity (p < 0.001), disability level (p < 0.001), and improvement in the physical function and problems, vitality, emotional well-being, and pain SF-36 items (p < 0.05) in both groups. There were no statistical differences between groups in all outcomes. CONCLUSION: A standard rehabilitation protocol alone or in combination with NM techniques are equally effective in reducing pain and disability level, as well as improving quality of life in patients after a microdiscectomy due to intervertebral lumbar disc lesion.

Predictive Factors for Muscle Injury After Posterior Lumbar Spinal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the risk factors for muscle injury in patients undergoing posterior lumbar spinal surgery and the clearance of postoperative biochemical changes following lumbar fusion and secondarily to evaluate the timing for monitoring postoperative biochemical serum levels and potential clinical correlation. METHODS: The study prospectively enrolled 39 patients with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Biochemical markers (creatine phosphokinase [CPK], creatinine, and hemoglobin) were analyzed in 5 predefined stages. All relevant clinical data were collected. Rhabdomyolysis (RML) was defined as a postoperative 5-fold increase of the baseline CPK value. RESULTS: Patients from the lumbar fusion group had the highest postoperative CPK ratio. Overall, the rate of RML was 43.6%. CPK and creatinine activity reached their maximum on the first postoperative day in 69.2% and 87.5% of patients, respectively. Lumbar fusion (P = 0.005), surgical time >270 minutes (P = 0.028), and fall in hemoglobin levels >3 g/dL (P = 0.034) were identified as independent factors associated with higher risk of RML. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of RML increases with prolonged and invasive surgery with higher bleeding potential. Knowing the clearance of postoperative biochemical changes permits a standardized strategy with measurements in precise intervals, thereby avoiding unnecessary costs. The clinical significance is still undetermined.

Unilateral mydriasis: a complication of spine surgery in prone position / Midríase unilateral: uma complicação da cirurgia de coluna em decúbito ventral

Abstract Prone position though is commonly used for better access to surgical site, but may be associated with a variety of complications. Perioperative Visual Disturbances or loss is rare but a devastating complication that is primarily associated with spine surgeries in prone position. In this case we report a 42 year old ASA-II patient who developed anisocoria with left pupillary dilatation following lumbar microdiscectomy in prone position. Following further evaluation of the patient, segmental pupillary palsy of the left pupillary muscles was found to be the possible cause of anisocoria. Anisocoria partially improved but persisted till follow up.

Resumo O posicionamento em decúbito ventral, embora comumente usado para melhorar o acesso ao local cirúrgico, pode estar associado a uma variedade de complicações. Distúrbios ou perda visual no Perioperatório é uma complicação rara, mas devastadora, que está principalmente associada à cirurgia de coluna vertebral em decúbito ventral. Relatamos aqui o caso de um paciente de 42 anos de idade, ASA - II, que desenvolveu anisocoria com dilatação pupilar esquerda após microdiscetomia lombar em decúbito ventral. Após uma avaliação adicional do paciente, observamos que a paralisia segmentar dos músculos pupilares esquerdos seria a possível causa de anisocoria. A anisocoria melhorou parcialmente, mas persistiu até o acompanhamento.

[Unilateral mydriasis: a complication of spine surgery in prone position]. / Midríase unilateral: uma complicação da cirurgia de coluna em decúbito ventral.

Prone position is commonly used for better access to surgical site, but may be associated with a variety of complications. Perioperative Visual Disturbances or loss is rare but a devastating complication that is primarily associated with spine surgeries in prone position. In this case we report a 42 year old ASA-II patient who developed anisocoria with left pupillary dilatation following lumbar microdiscectomy in prone position. Following further evaluation of the patient, segmental pupillary palsy of the left pupillary muscles was found to be the possible because of anisocoria. Anisocoria partially improved but persisted till follow up.

Uso de un nuevo implante: U-Force N6 a nivel L5 S1 para evitar la inestabilidad lumbar tras discectomía simple / Using a new implant: U-Force N6 to level L5 S1 to avoid lumbar instability after single discectomy

Resumen: Introducción: Estudio prospectivo en pacientes afectos de hernia discal lumbar L5 S1 tratados mediante la U-Force interespinosa N6. El espaciador interespinoso denominado "U" está realizado en titanio y es colocado entre las apófisis interespinosas. Material y métodos: 50 pacientes operados de hernia discal lumbar fueron evaluados; 25 pertenecían al grupo U-N6 y 25 sólo fueron tratados con microcirugía. Se les realizó valoración clínica y estudios radiológicos seriados. Todos los individuos tuvieron un seguimiento durante dos años (2013-2014). Resultados: Nuestro estudio revela que el uso del dispositivo fue más efectivo (estadísticamente significativo) para el retraso de la inestabilidad que sólo la técnica quirúrgica (p < 0.01). Permitió su colocación en 90% de los sujetos. Conclusión: El uso de este dispositivo retrasa el colapso vertebral y, por ende, la inestabilidad del segmento operado. Noventa por ciento de los casos del grupo N6 presentan el dispositivo a nivel de L5 S1 versus 60% del grupo histórico con otros dispositivos (2004-2011).

Abstract: Introduction: We conducted a retrospective study in patients with disc herniation and compared the results obtained in individuals treated with the U device N6 with those acquired in patients treated without any device. The U device is a titanium alloy implant that is placed between the spinous processes. Material and methods: In a cohort of 50 patients with degenerative lumbar disc, 25 underwent surgical treatment in which the U device was placed and 25 control individuals were treated with discectomy alone. Patients underwent serial follow-up evaluations, and radiographic assessment was used to determine the outcome. Up to two years of follow-up data were obtained in all patients (2013-2014). Results: Statistically significant improvement was seen in patients treated with the coflex device in the management of lumbar disc degeneration to avoid lumbar instability in the future (p < 0.01). It allowed its placement in 90% of the patients. Conclusions: Our study shows that the coflex device was more effective than the discectomy group in the management of lumbar instability. Ninety percent of the cases of the N6 group present the device at L5 S1 versus 60% of the historical group with other devices (2004-2011).

Lesión iatrogénica de la arteria iliaca común izquierda durante discectomía lumbar posterior / Iatrogenic injury to the left common iliac artery for posterior lumbar discectomy

Las lesiones vasculares durante la cirugía de hernia discal son infrecuentes, pero asociadas con una alta mortalidad dependiendo del vaso afectado, requiriendo de una sospecha diagnóstica y manejo temprano que puedan evitar el desenlace mortal. Dependiendo del nivel intervertebral intervenido las lesiones vasculares comprometerán en mayor o menor frecuencia los diferentes grandes vasos, siendo más frecuentes los traumas a la aorta en niveles altos y el compromiso de los vasos arteriales y venosos ilíacos comunes o sus ramificaciones en niveles inferiores, las estadísticas en cuanto a incidencia se creen son subestimadas debido a la infrecuencia con que son reportados estos casos. El objetivo de este artículo es exponer el caso de una lesión traumática intraoperatoria de la arteria ilíaca común izquierda durante un procedimiento de hemilaminectomia y microdisectomia L5 - S1, en la que la temprana sospecha de la lesión y contar con equipo quirúrgico altamente capacitado en la institución permitió realizar un manejo oportuno sin secuelas neurológicas o vasculares para el paciente. Compartimos este caso dado lo infrecuente de sus reportes en la literatura revisada, si tenemos en cuenta la frecuencia con el que neurocirujano o cirujano de columna realiza procedimientos para corrección de hernias discales, sin dimensionar en muchas ocasiones el alto riesgo de morbi-mortalidad derivadas de una complicación quirúrgica, que en nuestro caso de no haber contado con el equipo quirúrgico idóneo (anestesia, cuidados posoperatorios, cirujanos generales y vasculares), no se hubiera obtenido el buen resultado para el paciente.

Vascular injury during surgery herniated disc are rare, but associated with high mortality depending on the affected vessel, requiring a diagnostic suspicion and early management to avoid a fatal deselance. Depending on the level involved surgical, vascular lesions are more commonly involved trauma of the aorta at high levels and commitment of arterial and venous vessels common iliac, less frequently commits its branches at lower levels. Due to the low incidence of reporting of these cases statistics are underestimated. The aim of this article is to present the case of a traumatic injury intraoperative left common iliac artery for a microdiscectomy procedure hemilaminectomy and L5 - S1, where a timely management was conducted through early suspicion of injury and the surgical team highly trained in the institution. There were no neurological or vascular consequences for the patient. We share this case due to the rareness of their reports in the literature reviewed, if we consider the frequency with which neurosurgeon or spine surgeon performs procedures to correct herniated discs, not to mention the high risk of surgical morbidity and mortality. In our case you have not had the ideal surgical equipment (anesthesia, postoperative care, general and vascular surgeons) had not obtained the good result for the patient.

Microdiscectomia lombar: acessos interlaminar e intertransverso com uso de afastador de Caspar tubular cilíndrico e dreno de Penrose como auxiliar no afastamento da musculatura ­ estudo de 502 casos / Lumbar Microdiscectomy: Interlaminar and Intertransverso Access using Tubular Retractor Caspar Cylindrical and Penrose Drain as an Aid in Muscular Retraction ­ Study of 502 Cases

Os autores fazem uma revisão da literatura abordando conhecimentos neuroanatômicos da raiz e do gânglio da raiz dorsal. Descrevem a técnica para os acessos interlaminar e intertransverso com o uso de afastador de Caspar tubular cilíndrico e dreno de Penrose como auxiliares no afastamento da musculatura. Basearam-se em 502 casos operados em 25 anos. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever uma técnica com incisão pequena na pele, baixa agressividade para as estruturas anatômicas, sem perda funcional da musculatura paravertebral, campo cirúrgico amplo, facilidade de execução com as duas mãos, alta hospitalar precoce em torno de 24 horas e baixo custo.

The authors review the literature addressing neuro-anatomical knowledge of the root and root ganglion dorsal. Describe the technique for the interlaminar and intertransverso access using tubular retractor Caspar cylindrical Penrose drain as an aid in muscular retraction. Based-seem 502 cases operated in 25 years. The objective of this paper is to describe a technique with small skin incision, low aggressiveness anatomical structures without functional loss of paraspinal musculature, broad surgical field, easy work with both hands, high early hospital about 24 hours and low cost.

[Using a new implant: U-Force N6 to level L5 S1 to avoid lumbar instability after single discectomy]. / Uso de un nuevo implante: U-Force N6 a nivel L5 S1 para evitar la inestabilidad lumbar tras discectomía simple.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a retrospective study in patients with disc herniation and compared the results obtained in individuals treated with the U device N6 with those acquired in patients treated without any device. The U device is a titanium alloy implant that is placed between the spinous processes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a cohort of 50 patients with degenerative lumbar disc, 25 underwent surgical treatment in which the U device was placed and 25 control individuals were treated with discectomy alone. Patients underwent serial follow-up evaluations, and radiographic assessment was used to determine the outcome. Up to two years of follow-up data were obtained in all patients (2013-2014). RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was seen in patients treated with the coflex device in the management of lumbar disc degeneration to avoid lumbar instability in the future (p 0.01). It allowed its placement in 90% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the coflex device was more effective than the discectomy group in the management of lumbar instability. Ninety percent of the cases of the N6 group present the device at L5 S1 versus 60% of the historical group with other devices (2004-2011).

INTRODUCCIÓN: Estudio prospectivo en pacientes afectos de hernia discal lumbar L5 S1 tratados mediante la U-Force interespinosa N6. El espaciador interespinoso denominado «U¼; está realizado en titanio y es colocado entre las apófisis interespinosas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: 50 pacientes operados de hernia discal lumbar fueron evaluados; 25 pertenecían al grupo U-N6 y 25 sólo fueron tratados con microcirugía. Se les realizó valoración clínica y estudios radiológicos seriados. Todos los individuos tuvieron un seguimiento durante dos años (2013-2014). RESULTADOS: Nuestro estudio revela que el uso del dispositivo fue más efectivo (estadísticamente significativo) para el retraso de la inestabilidad que sólo la técnica quirúrgica (p 0.01). Permitió su colocación en 90% de los sujetos. CONCLUSIÓN: El uso de este dispositivo retrasa el colapso vertebral y, por ende, la inestabilidad del segmento operado. Noventa por ciento de los casos del grupo N6 presentan el dispositivo a nivel de L5 S1 versus 60% del grupo histórico con otros dispositivos (2004-2011).

Eficiência dos métodos fisioterapêuticos de reabilitação no pós-operatório de hérnia de disco lombar / Efficiency of physiotherapeutics methods of rehabilitation in the post-operative of lumbar disc hernia

Os programas de reabilitação no pós-operatório imediato de microdiscectomia lombar são descritos de maneira pouco detalhada na literatura médica, principalmente no que diz respeito às duas primeiras semanas após a cirurgia. Detalhar essa fase da reabilitação, assim como os métodos de avaliação utilizados foram os objetivos deste estudo. Participaram desse estudo experimental 46 pacientes, divididos em três grupos, o grupo 1 realizou um tratamento durante as duas semanas seguintes à cirurgia com exercícios específicos, supervisionados diariamente pelo mesmo fisioterapeuta e recebeu orientações por escrito e de maneira verbal durante a internação hospitalar. O grupo 2 recebeu o mesmo tratamento do grupo 1, adicionando o uso de um colete lombar do tipo putti-baixo sempre que saísse do leito, durante as duas semanas seguintes à cirurgia, retirando-o somente para o banho e ao deitar-se. O terceiro grupo recebeu apenas orientações sobre cuidados com a coluna e atividades diárias, semelhante aos grupos 1 e 2 durante a internação hospitalar. Os pacientes foram avaliados antes e após duas semanas de cirurgia utilizando-se escala analógica visual de dor, questionário SF-36 de qualidade de vida, teste de alcance funcional e alterações posturais pelo método flexicurva. Foi constatado que os pacientes que fizeram uso do protocolo de exercícios domiciliares, bem como do colete lombar obtiveram resultados tão significativos quanto o grupo que recebeu orientações sobre cuidados e atividades de vida diária para as próximas duas semanas. Portanto, os serviços que adotarem quaisquer dos métodos de intervenção aqui descritos obterão evolução significativa durante as duas semanas seguintes após a microcirurgia de hérnia de disco lombar.