Contralateral Approach for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Upper Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation: Technical Note and Case Series

Comparison of complications of biportal endoscopic discectomy: ipsilateral versus contralateral approach

BACKGROUND

Biportal endoscopic discectomy using the contralateral approach is effective for highly down- or upward-migrated disc removal and upper lumbar disc herniation. Despite its benefits, there are potential complications that have yet to be fully explored, including possible transient neurological deficits, excessive nerve pull, and incomplete discectomy. Thus, in this study, we aimed to understand these complications by comparing the contralateral and ipsilateral approaches for biportal endoscopic discectomy.

METHODS

This study included 326 patients who underwent biportal endoscopic discectomy, with 168 and 158 patients undergoing endoscopic discectomy via the contralateral and ipsilateral approaches, respectively, between March 2020 and July 2023. Patient demographic characteristics, operation level, length of hospital stay, blood loss, and operation time were reviewed. Complications included early recurrence, neurological deficits, postoperative pain, and long-term recurrence. Only single-level patients were included. Patients with infections, stenosis, instability, tumors, revision surgery, multilevel pathology, or ambiguous symptoms were excluded.

RESULTS

Operation time, length of hospital stay, and blood loss were similar between groups. L3-4 and L4-5 were the most common contralateral and ipsilateral approach discectomies, respectively. The frequency of dural tear occurrence showed no difference between groups. Early recurrence occurred more in the ipsilateral than in the contralateral approach group. Neurological deficits occurred more in the contralateral than in the ipsilateral approach group. Postoperative pain and long-term recurrence rates were not significantly different between groups. However, the rate of revision surgery due to long-term recurrence was higher in the contralateral than in the ipsilateral approach group.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences were observed in duration, postoperative pain, or long-term recurrence between the ipsilateral and contralateral approaches. However, early recurrence, neurological deficit, and revision surgery rates differed between the ipsilateral and contralateral approaches. The appropriate approach should be carefully determined according to the case before surgery. Contralateral discectomy may be an excellent surgical option.

Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Discectomy via the Contralateral Approach in Upward Migrated Foraminal Disc Herniations

OBJECTIVE

Lumbar upward migrated foraminal disc herniations are extremely rare and technically challenging to operate. In this study, a contralateral approach using unilateral biportal endoscopy, which has the advantages of structural protection, efficacy, and safety is presented.

METHODS

Between 2019 and December 2022, five patients with lumbar upward migrated foraminal disc herniations underwent unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy via the contralateral approach. The patients were 4 males and 1 female patient. All patients had severe radicular pain. Neurological examination revealed sensory impairment and motor weakness in 2 patients but no deficits in the others. Magnetic resonance images confirmed lumbar upward migrated foraminal disc herniations in all patients.

RESULTS

The study shows a significant reduction in Oswestry Disability Index. Symptoms improved immediately after surgery in all patients, and satisfactory results were achieved at the last follow-up. No surgical complications or recurrent herniations were observed. The mean preoperative Oswestry Disability Index decreased from 44.6 to 11.4. In addition, mean preoperative Visual Analog Scale declined from 8.4 to 1.6. The patients were assessed after a follow-up period of at least 22 months, and their level of pain level was documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Although unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy via the contralateral approach is not a common surgical procedure, it can offer a viable alternative for patients with lumbar upward migrated foraminal disc herniations.

Far-Lateral Transforaminal Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Upper Lumbar Disc Herniations

OBJECTIVE

The upper lumbar region has distinctive anatomical characteristics that contribute to the challenges of performing discectomy. We introduce far-lateral transforaminal unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) lumbar discectomy for central or paracentral disc herniations in the upper lumbar region.

METHODS

We conducted retrospective review of the patients who underwent a far-lateral transforaminal UBE lumbar discectomy at our institution from January 2018 to September 2024. The electronic medical records, operative records, and radiologic images of the patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients underwent far-lateral transforaminal UBE lumbar discectomy for central or paracentral disc herniations in the upper lumbar region. The patient had a mean age of 54.0 ± 13.7 years. Operation was performed at the L1-2 level in 3 patients (11.1%), L2-3 in 9 patients (33.3%), and L3-4 in 15 patients (55.6%). The patients were followed-up for a mean of 27.7 ± 19.3 months. The Oswestry Disability Index was significantly decreased from 36.3 ± 6.8 preoperatively to 3.7 ± 3.3 at last follow-up (p < 0.001). The visual analogue scale (VAS) back was significantly decreased from 7.8 ± 0.9 preoperatively to 3.1 ± 0.6 postoperative day 2 (p < 0.001). The VAS leg was significantly decreased from 8.1 ± 0.8 preoperatively to 2.3 ± 0.7 postoperative day 2 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The far-lateral transforaminal UBE lumbar discectomy would be a viable surgical option for upper lumbar disc herniations.

Surgical strategy and outcomes for thoracolumbar disc herniation with Autologous Bone-Fusion or Cage-Fusion surgery: case series and literature review

To analyze the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of TLDH with Autologous Bone-Fusion for T10-L1 TLDH or Cage-Fusion for T12-L3 TLDH. This is a retrospective multi-center clinical study, involving a total of 43 patients with TLDH who underwent surgery in our institutions from December 2013 to January 2021. In all, 15 of 43 patients (34.9%) with T10-11(2)/T11-12(5)/T12-L1 (8) TLDH underwent Autologous Bone-Fusion surgery and 28 of 43 patients (65.1%) with T12-L1(3)/L1-L2(12)/L2-L3(13) TLDH underwent Cage-Fusion surgery. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes were recorded. During the follow-up, pre- to post-operative ODI, VAS back and leg pain scores significantly decreased (P1.2 = 0.001) and the score changes had no significant difference between two groups (P3 = 0.81, 0.59, 0.68). The intraoperative blood loss and operation time showed no significant difference between two groups (P = 0.056, 0.072). The patients showed prominent improvement of hypokinesia and satisfactory rate in two groups (5/7, 71.4% VS 9/12, 75.0%, P = 0.633; 11, 73.3% VS 25, 89.3%, P = 0.281). Notably, no recurrence and severe complications were reported. The choice of surgery approach should be individualized by clinical characteristics and radiology. Selectively Autologous Bone-Fusion for T10-L1 TLDH or Cage-Fusion for T12-L3 TLDH provided adequate nerve decompression and immediate stability. The overall fusion surgical outcomes were satisfactory without major complications during follow-up.

Technical challenges and surgical outcomes of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in patients with upper lumbar disc herniation: a prospective clinical study

INTRODUCTION

Upper lumbar disc herniation (ULDH) constitutes a considerably complex and rare anatomic entity. As such, there are only a handful of studies investigating the application of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) in the management of this cause of low back pain.

RESEARCH QUESTION

To elucidate the safety and effectiveness of PTED in patients with ULDH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six (26) individuals with diagnosed ULDH (L1-L2, L2-L3) according to clinical and radiologic criteria were prospectively evaluated in a 2-year follow-up period. All patients were assessed preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Clinical evaluation was conducted with visual analogue scale for lower limb (VAS-LP) and low back (VAS-BP) pain in conjunction with Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Medical Health Survey Questionnaire. Potential complications were recorded in each follow-up interval.

RESULTS

One patient (3.8%) featured temporary postoperative dysesthesia that was completely resolved at 6 weeks. No other major perioperative complications were observed. Values of all studied indices were found to be statistically significantly ameliorated at the end of follow-up. Improvement was depicted to be quantitatively maximal at 6 weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

PTED constitutes a safe and effective technique for surgical management of ULDH that merits further assessment in current clinical practice in the framework of multicenter randomized controlled trials.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

[Imaging study and clinical application of unilateral biportal endoscopy technique for upper lumbar disc herniation via contralateral approach]

Objective

To investigate the relationships between the bony structures, nerve, and indentations of ligamentum flavum of the upper lumbar spine by using CT three-dimensional reconstruction technique, in order to guide the unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) technique via contralateral approach in the treatment of upper lumbar disc herniation (ULDH).

Methods

Twenty-one ULDH patients who were admitted between June 2019 and July 2021 and met the selection criteria were selected as the research subjects. There were 12 males and 9 females with an average age of 62.1 years (range, 55-72 years). The disease duration was 1-12 years (mean, 5.7 years). There was 1 case of L 1, 2, 4 cases of L 2, 3, and 16 cases of L 3, 4. The CT myelography data of T 12-S 3 segment was saved in DICOM format and imported into Mimics21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The relationship between the intersection (point Q) of spinous process and the inferior margin of lamina, the indentation of superior margin of ligamentum flavum, the inferior margin of nerve root origin, intervertebral space, and foramen were observed. The Mimics21.0 software was used to create a 3-mm-diameter cylinder to simulate the UBE channel and measure its abduction angle (∠b1), as well as measure the following lumbar vertebra-related indicators: in L 1,2-L 3,4 segments, the vertical distance from the point Q to the inferior margin of the contralateral lumbar pedicle of the same lumbar vertebra (a1), the superior margin of the contralateral pedicle of the lower lumbar vertebra (a2), the lower endplate of the same lumbar vertebra (a3), the upper endplate of the lower lumbar vertebra (a4); the vertical distance from the lower endplate of lumbar vertebra to the inferior margin of the lumbar pedicle (c1), the vertical distance from the upper endplate of the lower lumbar vertebra to the superior margin of the lumbar pedicle (c2); the vertical distance from the inferior margin of the nerve root origin to the superior margin (d1) and the inferior margin (d2) of the lumbar pedicle, respectively; the vertical distance from the intersection (point P) of the indentation of superior margin of ligamentum flavum and the medial margin of the lumbar pedicle to the superior margin (e1) and the inferior margin (e2) of the lumbar pedicle, respectively; the horizontal distance from the lateral margin of the dural mater (f1) and the narrowest part of the lumbar isthmus (f2) to the facet joint space, respectively. Thirteen of the patients included in the study chose the UBE surgery via contralateral approach. There were 8 males and 5 females with an average age of 63.3 years (range, 55-71 years). The disease duration was 2-12 years, with an average of 6.2 years. There were 3 cases of L 2, 3 and 10 cases of L 3, 4. The perioperative complications and surgical decompression were recorded. And the effectiveness were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and short form-36 health survey (SF-36) score.

Results

The imaging results showed that there was no significant difference in a1, a3, a4, e1, e2, f1, and f2 between segments ( P>0.05), and there were significant differences ( P<0.05) in a2 and c2 between L 1, 2 and L 3, 4 segments, in ∠b1 and d2 between L 1, 2, L 2, 3 segments and L 3, 4 segments, and in c1 and d1 between L 1, 2 and L 2, 3, L 3, 4 segments. The 87.30% (110/126) of point Q of L 1, 2-L 3, 4 segments corresponded to the inferior articular process, and 78.57% (99/126) of the lower endplate corresponded to the level of the isthmus. All 13 patients completed the UBE surgery via contralateral approach, and none were converted to open surgery. All patients were followed up 12-17 months (mean, 14.6) months. The VAS score of low back pain and leg pain, ODI, and SF-36 score at 6 and 12 months after operation significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), and further improved at 12 months after operation when compared with 6 months after operation ( P<0.05). The imaging review results showed that the herniated disc was removed and the dura mater was decompressed adequately.

Conclusion

The point Q, the superior margin of ligamentum flavum, and lumbar pedicle can be used as the markers for the treatment of ULBD with UBE surgery via contralateral approach, making the procedure safer, more precise, and more effective.

The Contralateral Approach to intra- and Extraforaminal Lumbar Disk Herniations: Surgical Technique and Review of Surgical Procedures

BACKGROUND

 Surgery for intra-/extraforaminal disk herniations (IEDH) is technically demanding due to the hidden location of the compressed nerve root section. Ipsilateral approaches (medial and lateral) are accompanied by extended resection of the facet joint and inadequate visualization of the pathology, especially at the L5-S1 level.

METHODS

 We describe a microsurgical interlaminar contralateral approach (MICA) suitable for IEDH at the lumbosacral junction that can also be used at L4-L5 and L3-L4.

CONCLUSION

 The MICA provides access and sufficient intraforaminal visualization for IEDH in the lumbosacral region without resection of stability-relevant structures or manipulation of the nerve root ganglion.

Surgical Outcomes for Upper Lumbar Disc Herniations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a literature review on outcomes of discectomy for upper lumbar disc herniations (ULDH), estimate pooled rates of satisfactory outcomes, compare open laminectomy/microdiscectomy (OLM) versus minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques, and compare results of disc herniations at L1-3 versus L3-4.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles reporting outcomes of nonfusion surgical treatment of L1-2, L2-3, and/or L3-4 disc herniations was performed. The inclusion and exclusion of studies was performed according to the latest version of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

RESULTS

A total of 20 articles were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Pooled proportion of satisfactory outcome (95% CI) was 0.77 (0.70, 0.83) for MIS and 0.82 (0.78, 0.84) for OLM. There was no significant improvement with MIS techniques compared with standard OLM, odds ratio (OR) = 0.86, 95% CI (0.42, 1.74), P = .66. Separating results by levels revealed a trend of higher satisfaction with L3-4 versus L1-3 with OLM surgery, OR = 0.46, 95% CI (0.19, 1.12), P = .08.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis reveals that discectomy for ULDH has an overall success rate of approximately 80% and has not improved with MIS. Discectomy for herniations at L3-4 trends toward better outcomes compared with L1-2 and L2-3, but was not significant.

Surgical outcomes of decompression alone versus transpedicular screw fixation for upper lumbar disc herniation

Background

Surgical outcomes of upper lumbar disc herniations (ULDHs) including T12-L1, L1-L2, and L2-L3 levels are characteristically less favorable and more unpredictable.

Objectives

This study was conducted to compare the surgical outcomes of decompression alone versus decompression combined with transpedicular screw fixation in treating upper lumbar disc herniation.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was carried out at Neurosurgery Departments, Tanta University. The study included 46 patients with a symptomatic high lumbar herniated disc at T12-L1, L1-L2, and L2-L3 levels. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they were operated on via decompression and partial medial facetectomy (group 1, 22 patients) or via the previous maneuver plus transpedicular screw fixation (group 2, 24 patients). All patients were medically evaluated immediately after the operation; then, they were followed up at the 3rd and the 6th months following surgery. Patients’ outcomes were assessed by visual analogue score (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores.

Results

Median VAS scores in each group revealed significant reduction immediately following surgery and at each of 7 days, 3 months, and 6 months in comparison with the preoperative VAS score (p<0.001). Furthermore, each group showed significant stepwise reduction in the median ODI score at the 3rd and the 6th months postoperative compared to the preoperative ODI score (group 1 = 68.0, 19.0, 15.0; p< 0.001 and group 2 = 66.5, 20.0, 15.0; p< 0.001), with no significant differences between both groups (p> 0.05).

Conclusions

Both standalone decompression and decompression combined with transpedicular screw fixation revealed comparable favorable outcomes in patients with ULDH.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy versus Conventional Open Lumbar Discectomy for Upper Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Comparative Cohort Study

Background

Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) is regarded as a viable alternative option for upper lumbar disc herniation (LDH). However, few studies have evaluated PETD for upper LDH, and no study has compared the advantages of endoscopic procedures versus conventional surgery. The present study was aimed at comparing the surgical outcome and safety of PETD versus conventional open lumbar discectomy in the treatment of upper LDH.

Methods

Data from 42 patients treated for upper LDH from July 2015 to July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 21 patients treated with PETD (PETD group) and 21 patients treated with conventional posterior lumbar discectomy (open group). The two groups were compared regarding demographic information, physical examination, radiological evaluations, and perioperative indicators. The clinical outcomes were assessed in accordance with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), and modified MacNab criteria.

Results

The postoperative ODI and VAS scores were significantly improved in both groups compared with the preoperative baseline values (P < 0.001), and the satisfactory rate was 90.5% in both groups in accordance with the modified MacNab criteria. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the clinical outcomes and complication rate (P < 0.001), and the satisfactory rate was 90.5% in both groups in accordance with the modified MacNab criteria. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the clinical outcomes and complication rate (P < 0.001), and the satisfactory rate was 90.5% in both groups in accordance with the modified MacNab criteria. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the clinical outcomes and complication rate (

Conclusions

PETD has a similar outcome to the conventional surgical method for the treatment of upper LDH but provides the typical advantages of minimally invasive procedures such as reduced iatrogenic injury, minimal activity restrictions, and accelerated ambulation recovery postoperatively.

Two-level percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for highly migrated upper lumbar disc herniation: A case report

BACKGROUND

The technique of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) as a transforaminal approach has been used to treat highly migrated lower lumbar disc herniations. However, due to the different anatomic characteristics of the upper lumbar spine, conventional transforaminal PELD may fail to remove the highly migrated upper lumbar disc nucleus pulposus. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe a novel surgical technique, two-level PELD, for the treatment of highly migrated upper lumbar disc herniations and to report its related clinical outcomes.

CASE SUMMARY

A 60-year-old male presented with a complaint of pain at his lower back and right lower limb. The patient received 3 mo of conservative treatments but the symptoms were not alleviated. Physical examination revealed a positive femoral nerve stretch test and a negative straight leg raise test for the right leg, and preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score for the lower back was 6 points and for the right leg was 8 points. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated L2-L3 disc herniation on the right side and the herniated nucleus pulposus migrated to the upper margin of L2 vertebral body. According to physical examination and imaging findings, surgery was the primary consideration. Therefore, the patient underwent surgical treatment with two-level PELD. The pain symptom was relieved and the VAS score for back and thigh pain was one point postoperatively. The patient was asymptomatic and follow-up MRI scan 1 year after operation revealed no residual nucleus pulposus.

CONCLUSION

Two-level PELD as a transforaminal approach can be a safe and effective procedure for highly migrated upper lumbar disc herniation.

Wedge-shaped vertebrae is a risk factor for symptomatic upper lumbar disc herniation

Background

At present, much is unknown about the etiology and pathogenesis of ULDH. However, it is interesting to note that many ULDH patients have a radiographic feature of adjacent vertebral wedge deformation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between symptomatic upper lumbar disc herniation (ULDH) and wedge-shaped vertebrae (WSV).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 65 patients with single-level ULDH, who had undergone surgery at our medical center between January 2012 and December 2016. Clinical data including clinical and radiological evaluation results were performed.

Results

The incidence of WSV in the ULDH group (44.6%, 29/65) was more than in the lower lumbar disc herniation group (21.5%, 14/65). And there were statistically significant differences in WSV (χ² = 7.819, P = 0.005), wedging angle of the vertebrae (WAV) (t = 9.013, P < 0.001), and thoracolumbar kyphotic angle (TL) (t = 8.618, P < 0.001) between two groups. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, WAV (OR = 0.783, 95% CI = 0.687–0.893, P < 0.001) and TL (OR = 0.831, 95% CI = 0.746–0.925, P = 0.001) were independently associated with ULDH. The cutoff values of WAV and TL were 5.35° and 8.35°, which were significantly associated with ULDH (OR = 3.667, 95% CI = 1.588–8.466, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

The WSV is an independent risk factor for ULDH. WAV > 5.35° and TL > 8.35° were the predictors for ULDH. It should be noted that the patients with vertebral wedge deformation combined with thoracolumbar kyphosis have a higher risk of ULDH.

Effect of combination of lateral recess decompression by Tessys technique and PTED in patients suffering from contralateral symptoms of lumbar disc herniation

The aim was to explore the effect of lateral recess decompression by percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic spine system (Tessys) technique combined with percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) on pain medium, nerve function and stress response in patients suffering from contralateral symptoms of lumbar disc herniation. A total of 96 patients with contralateral symptoms of lumbar disc herniation treated in our hospital from February 2015 to April 2017 were randomly divided into control group and study group, with 48 cases in each group. The control group underwent PTED, and the study group underwent lateral recess decompression by Tessys technique combined with PTED. The visual analogue scale (VSA) score and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score before surgery and 3 months after surgery were compared between the two groups. The levels of serum pain medium (prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), histamine (HA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) and oxidative stress indexes (malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) before surgery and 7 days after surgery were compared. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared at 1 month after treatment. One month after treatment, the excellent and good rate in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (85.4% vs 56.3%; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between VAS and JOA score in the two groups preoperatively ( P > 0.05). At 3 months after surgery, the VAS score in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P < 0.05), and the JOA score in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum PGE2, HA and 5-HT levels between the two groups preoperatively ( P > 0.05). At 7 days after surgery, the serum PGE2, HA and 5-HT levels in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). Preoperatively, the levels of serum MDA, MPO, SOD and TAC were not significantly different between the two groups ( P > 0.05). On the seventh day after surgery, the levels of serum MDA and MPO in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P < 0.05), and the levels of SOD and TAC were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, the combined therapy of lateral recess decompression by Tessys technique and PTED in patients suffering from contralateral symptoms of lumbar disc herniation has a definite clinical effect, which can significantly alleviate the symptoms of low back pain and motor nerve function and reduce the contents of serum pain medium and the levels of oxidative stress. It is worthy of clinical promotion.