Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy by transiliac approach: a case report

Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Approach Selection: A Systematic Review and Proposed Algorithm

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review of the literature to develop an algorithm formulated by key opinion leaders.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze currently available data and propose a decision-making algorithm for full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy for treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH) to help surgeons choose the most appropriate approach [transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) or interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy (IELD)] for patients.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Full-endoscopic discectomy has gained popularity in recent decades. To our knowledge, an algorithm for choosing the proper surgical approach has never been proposed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature using PubMed and MeSH terms was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Patient samples included patients with LDH treated with full-endoscopic discectomy. The inclusion criteria were interventional research (randomized and nonrandomized trials) and observation research (cohort, case-control, case series). Exclusion criteria were case series and technical reports. The criteria used for selecting patients were grouped and analyzed. Then, an algorithm was generated based on these findings with support and reconfirmation from key expert opinions. Data on overall complications were collected. Outcome measures included zone of herniation, level of herniation, and approach (TELD or IELD).

RESULTS

In total, 474 articles met the initial screening criteria. The detailed analysis identified the 80 best-matching articles; after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 53 articles remained for this review.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed algorithm suggests a TELD for LDH located in the foraminal or extraforaminal zones at upper and lower levels and for central and subarticular discs at the upper levels considering the anatomic foraminal features and the craniocaudal pathology location. An IELD is preferred for LDH in the central or subarticular zones at L4/L5 and L5/S1, especially if a high iliac crest or high-grade migration is found.

Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Lumbosacral Junction Adolescent Lumbar Disc Herniation with High Iliac Crests

Objective

To investigate the clinical results of transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy for lumbosacral junction adolescent lumbar disc herniation with high iliac crest.

Methods

From February 2014 to September 2020, a retrospective analysis of 96 patients less than 21 years old with intervertebral disc herniation was carried out. We enrolled 44 patients diagnosed with lumbosacral junction disc herniation with high iliac crest who required transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy. Pain in the back and the lower extremity was scored on Numeric Rating Scales (NRS) scores. Patient outcomes were graded as excellent, good, fair, and poor using modified MacNab criteria. The NRS scores before and after the operation were compared using the Wilcoxon two‐sample test.

Results

There were 30 male patients and 14 females. One patient underwent repeat surgery for an intervertebral disc pseudocyst. The NRS scores decreased significantly in both early and late follow‐up evaluations (p < 0.05). At the last follow‐up, 42 patients (95.45%) had an excellent outcome, one patient (2.27%) had a good outcome, and one patient (2.27%) had a fair outcome. The overall success rate was 97.7%.

Conclusion

This study's data suggest that targeted individualized foraminoplasty can effectively overcome the lumbosacral anatomical obstacles, and transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy is an effective and valid option for lumbosacral junction adolescent lumbar disc herniation with high iliac crest.

Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy for the treatment of L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation and the influence of iliac crest height on its clinical effects

The present study aimed to explore the clinical effects of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy using a transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technique for the treatment of L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation and to analyse the influence of iliac crest height on these clinical effects. The clinical data of 76 patients with L5-S1 single-segment disc herniation treated with TESSYS at The Second Affiliated Hospital and Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between January and December 2016 were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into the following three groups according to the positional relation between the highest point of the iliac crest and the L4 and L5 pedicles in the lateral lumbar, as determined by X-ray: Group I, iliac crest height below the upper edge horizontal line of the L5 pedicle (n=42); group II, iliac crest height between the lower edge horizontal line of the L4 pedicle and the upper edge horizontal line of the L5 pedicle (n=29) and group III, iliac crest height above the lower edge horizontal line of the L4 pedicle (n=5). Changes in the postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) of the lower back and lower limbs were observed, and the effects were compared among the three groups. The mean operating time was 86.5±13.5 min. A single patient experienced cerebrospinal fluid leakage due to a mild tear of the dura mater during the operation, which improved after symptomatic treatment. The same operation was repeated in one patient due to the recurrence of disc herniation. In all patients, the VAS pain score and ODI of the lower back and lower limbs at 1 week and 1, 3 and 12 months following the operation were significantly lower than those before the operation (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the postoperative VAS pain score and ODI of the lower back and lower limbs were poorer in group III (L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation complicated with high iliac crest) than in groups I and II (P<0.05). These results suggested that TESSYS was effective in treating lumbar disc herniation. Whether the iliac crest is higher than the lower edge horizontal line of the L4 pedicle is suggested to be one of the factors influencing the outcome of the operation.

Gradient local anesthesia for percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy at the L5/S1 level: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

During the process of shearing the ligamentum flavum, rotating the working channel, and manipulating the annulus fibrosis, the sinuvertebral nerve and the spinal nerve root can be irritated, inducing intolerable back and leg pain. Thus, general anesthesia is recommended and well accepted by most surgeons when performing percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) via the interlaminar approach. The aim of our study was to explore the efficacy and safety of percutaneous endoscopy interlaminar lumbar discectomy with gradient local anesthesia (LA) in patients with L5/S1 disc herniation.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted between December 2017 and June 2018. The study included 50 consecutive patients who met the study criteria, had single-level L5/S1 disc herniation, and underwent PELD via the interlaminar approach under gradient LA. Different concentrations of local anesthetic compound (LAC) were injected into different tissues inside and outside the ligamentum flavum to complete gradient LA. The evaluation criteria included the intraoperative satisfaction score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), complications, and adverse reactions.

RESULTS

The intraoperative satisfaction score was consistently over 7, with an average score of 9.3 ± 0.7, indicating that LAC can achieve satisfactory pain control throughout the PELD operation without additional anesthesia. The postoperative VAS score and ODI were dramatically improved at each follow-up interval (P < 0.001, respectively). There was no serious complication such as dural rupture caused by puncture, dural laceration caused by manipulation under endoscopy, total spinal anesthesia, iatrogenic nerve root injury, epidural hematoma, infections, or local anesthetic-related adverse reactions. Three patients experienced transient postoperative dysesthesia of the lower limbs that gradually recovered within 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Gradient local anesthesia can satisfactorily and safely control intraoperative pain during the PELD via the interlaminar approach. It can not only improve intraoperative satisfaction, but also reduce local anesthesia-related adverse reactions and surgery-related complications.

Treatment of high-iliac-crest L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation via a transverse process endoscopic transforaminal approach

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical efficacy of transverse process endoscopic transforaminal discectomy for the treatment of high-iliac-crest L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with high-iliac-crest L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation who were treated with transforaminal endoscopy from April 2016 to January 2019 in the Department of Neurosurgery of Xuanwu Hospital were selected. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the efficacy of the procedure.

RESULTS

All of the patients successfully underwent the surgical treatment. Sixteen patients (94.1 %) completed effective follow-up for more than 12 months. The VAS was 7.8 ± 1.9, 2.9 ± 1.6, 2.3 ± 1.5 and 2.2 ± 1.6 before surgery and at one day, 3 months, and the last follow-up after surgery, respectively. The ODI scores were 52.8 ± 15.2 and 16.9 ± 9.7 before surgery and 3 months after surgery, respectively, both of which were lower than before surgery (both P < 0.01).

EFFICACY EVALUATION

An excellent outcome was achieved in 13 (81.3 %) patients, a good outcome in 1 patient (6.3 %), an acceptable outcome in 1 patient (6.3 %), and a poor outcome in 1 patient (6.3 %).

CONCLUSIONS

The transverse process endoscopic transforaminal discectomy is a safe and effective surgical method for the treatment of high-iliac-crest L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation.

Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for L5-S1 Disc Herniation With High Iliac Crest: Technical Note and Preliminary Series

With the trend of minimally invasive spine surgery, full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) has evolved with the advancement of the optics and instruments. Regarding the techniques, the transforaminal and interlaminar approach remain the major accesses in FELD. Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) is an effective and safe treatment for herniation of the lumbar disc. More and more evidence supports the TELD in enhancing recovery and decreasing surgical complications. However, the learning curve of TELD remains steep, especially at the L5-S1 level. The iliac crest height is an essential factor in the operability of TELD at the L5-S1 level. In the situation of the high iliac crest, TELD is technically challenging even for an experienced surgeon. Therefore, the authors report their techniques of TELD with foraminoplasty step-by-step and the preliminary results in this report.

Percutaneous Isthmus Foraminoplasty and Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Very Highly Upmigrated Lumbar Disc Herniation: Technique Notes and 2 Years Follow-Up

OBJECTIVE

To report the technical notes and clinical outcome of percutaneous isthmus foraminoplasty and full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PIF-FELD) for the treatment of very highly upmigrated lumbar disc herniation (VHUM-LDH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2014 to December 2017, 16 patients with VHUM-LDH underwent PIF-FELD surgery. A 10-mm-diameter semi-open foraminoplasty was performed on the dorsal side of the upper intervertebral foramen with lateral isthmus resection by a safe trephine system, in which the facet joint was not injured. Full-endoscopic transforaminal fragmentectomy in the spinal canal and discectomy in the intervertebral space were performed simultaneously. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine was reexamined on the second day and 3 months after the operation to evaluate the completeness of the disc fragmentectomy and nerve decompression. The patients were followed up on the visual analog scale (VAS) of lumbar pain and leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index on the second day, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after operation. The MacNab score and nerve root function recovery were evaluated at 2 years postoperative follow-up.

RESULTS

All operations were successfully completed without any change in the surgical method. During the operation, 5 patients were found to have a single sequestered fragment, and the remaining 11 patients had multiple sequestered fragments. There were no complications (e.g., dural tear and nerve injury) during the operation, and no complications (e.g., infection, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, exacerbation of nerve root function injury, and recurrence of intervertebral disc herniation) occurred. Postoperative reexamination of lumbar magnetic resonance imaging in all patients showed complete disc fragmentectomy and adequate nerve decompression. The postoperative low back pain VAS and leg pain VAS scores and Oswestry Disability Index on the second day, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after operation were significantly improved compared with preoperatively (P < 0.01). At 2 years follow-up, the sensation and muscular strength of the affected nerve root innervation area were significantly restored (P < 0.05), but tendon reflex function was not significantly restored (P > 0.05). At 2 years follow-up, MacNab scores included 6 excellent, 9 good, and 1 fair.

CONCLUSIONS

PIF-FELD is a safe and effective minimally invasive spine surgery technique for VHUM-LDH.

Percutaneous endoscopic thoracic discectomy via posterolateral approach: A case report of migrated thoracic disc herniation

RATIONALE

Minimally invasive surgeries for thoracic disc herniation (TDH) evolved rapidly in recent years, and multiple approaches have been put forward. Thoracic discectomy via percutaneous spine endoscopy (PSE) is inadequately documented because of the low prevalence of TDH and the high difficulty of thoracic spine endoscopy techniques. Herein, we present a TDH case who underwent percutaneous endoscopic thoracic discectomy.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 28-year-old male suffered backpain and partial paralysis in lower extremities.

DIAGNOSES

Magnet resonance imaging demonstrated T11-12 TDH, with cranially migrated disc fragment.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent percutaneous endoscopic thoracic discectomy via posterolateral approach with the assistance of endoscopic reamer in the procedure of foramino-laminaplasty.

OUTCOMES

The patient's muscle force improved immediately, and the backpain relieved after 5 days post-surgery. In the 6-month follow-up, he had normal muscle force without paresthesia in lower limbs.

LESSONS

The innovative design of endoscopic reamer provides effective plasty and access establishment with lower risk and difficulty, which ensures the vision and the operating space of the procedure of decompression. With this technique, the indications of thoracic PSE were broadened to both ventral and dorsal thoracic stenosis.

Treatment of L5 - S1 intervertebral disc herniation with posterior percutaneous full-endoscopic discectomy by grafting tubes at various positions via an interlaminar approach

Background

Depending on the location of the herniated disc at the shoulder, axilla, or ventral side of the compression nerve root, various puncture sites and channel entrances were selected so that the goal of targeted removal of the herniated disc could be achieved by a full-endoscopic technique. Achieving good clinical therapeutic efficacy through the natural gap of bones can maximally avoid related access complications, and the necessary techniques and relevant anatomical factors were analyzed.

Methods

Between August 2012 and August 2014, 98 patients with L5 - S1 intervertebral disc herniation were treated with posterior percutaneous full-endoscopic discectomy (PPFED) by grafting tubes at various positions via the interlaminar approach. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to assess the patients’ back and leg pain and the improvements in daily function, and the modified Macnab standard was used to evaluate the treatment efficacy.

Results

All 98 patients successfully completed the surgery, 84 patients got out of bed and walked on the first postoperative day, and 14 patients got out of bed and walked on the second postoperative day. The preoperative ODI (56.032 ± 3.625) was significantly higher than the ODI score (8.147 ± 1.398) (F = 5343.054, P ≤ 0.001) 48 months after surgery. The preoperative VAS score (7.193 ± 0.875) was significantly higher than the postoperative VAS score (0.914 ± 0.500 points) (F = 1656.173, P ≤ 0.001). The differences in ODI and VAS scores before and after surgery were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Follow-up was conducted 1, 6, 12 and 48 months postoperatively, and the modified Macnab standard was used during the last follow-up to evaluate the efficacy: 67 cases were excellent, 20 cases were good, 7 cases were fair, and 0 cases were poor; the proportion of excellent and good cases was 92.6%.

Conclusions

The treatment of L5 - S1 intervertebral disc herniation with PPFED by grafting tubes at various positions via an interlaminar approach is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive surgical method. Reaching the location of a disc herniation directly through the natural gap in the bones can maximally avoid collateral injury from spine surgery.

Trial registration

The registration number of this clinical study is ChiCTR1800014588; it has been retrospectively registered with a registration date of 05/01/2018.

[Percutaneous full-endoscopic bilateral decompression via unilateral posterior approach for lumbar spinal stenosis]

OBJECTIVE

To design the surgical strategy of percutaneous full-endoscopic bilateral decompression via unilateral posterior approach for bilateral lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and to evaluate the effectiveness.

METHODS

The percutaneous full-endoscopic bilateral decompression via unilateral posterior approach for bilateral LSS was designed according to the pathological features of LSS. The technique was used to treat 42 patients with LSS between January 2016 and January 2018. There were 18 males and 24 females with an average age of 61.7 years (range, 46-81 years). The duration of symptoms was 1-20 years, with an average of 9.7 years. The surgical segment at L 4, 5 were 27 cases, at L 5, S 1 were 15 cases. The operation time and perioperative complications were recorded. Lumbar X-ray, CT, and MRI examinations were performed at 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year after operation. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the low back pain and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate the lumbar function, and single continuous walking distance (SCWD) was used to evaluate lower extremity nerve function. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by MacNab criteria at 1 year after operation.

RESULTS

All patients underwent surgery successfully. The operation time was 68-141 minutes with an average of 98.2 minutes. All 42 patients were followed up 12-24 months with an average of 18.8 months. There were 2 cases of dural tears during operation, and 1 case of transient dysfunction of the lower limbs of the decompression channel after operation. All of them were cured after corresponding treatment. No serious complications such as death, major bleeding, or irreversible nerve injury occurred during follow-up. No segmental instability was found according to postoperative lumbar hyperextension and flexion X-ray films, and postoperative CT and MRI imaging showed that the stenotic lumbar spinal canal was significantly enlarged, and the compression of the nerve root was sufficient. The VAS score of low back pain and leg pain, ODI score, and SCWD at each time point after operation were significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05); the indexes were significantly improved over time after operation, and the differences were significantly ( P<0.05). The clinical efficacy was evaluated by MacNab standard at 1 year after operation, and the results were excellent in 18 cases, good in 20 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 1 case. The excellent and good rate was 90.5%.

CONCLUSION

The percutaneous full-endoscopic bilateral decompression via unilateral posterior approach for LSS is a safe and effective procedure. A well-designed surgical strategy and mastery of its technical points are important guarantees for successful operation and satisfactory results.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for LDH via a transforaminal approach versus an interlaminar approach: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to systematically compare the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) versus percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All studies that were performed to compare PETD with PEID to treat LDH and published until 31 August 2017 were acquired through a comprehensive search in various databases. A meta-analysis was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of 13 trials with 974 cases consisting of 3 randomized controlled trials, 3 prospective studies and 7 retrospective studies were included. The results suggest that patients treated with PEID experienced more significant advantages with shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss and less intraoperative fluoroscopy times but more complications than those treated with PETD; however, the two operative approaches did not significantly differ in terms of LDH recurrence, hospital stay, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and MacNab criteria at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, although PEID may be superior to PETD in certain ways, some of its advantages have yet to be verified and the two interventions were not significantly different in terms of relief of symptoms and functional recovery. Therefore, PEID would be recommended for treating LDH especially at L5/S1 under certain conditions but a prudent attitude is necessary to choose between the two operative approaches before a large sample and high quality randomized controlled trials have been performed.

Transpedicular Endoscopic Surgery for Highly Downmigrated L5-S1 Disc Herniation

Endoscopic surgery for highly downmigrated disc herniation at level L5-S1 is a challenging technique. Most surgeons prefer the interlaminar access because of the special anatomy of the L5-S1 disc level, i.e., narrow neuroforamen and large interlaminar window. Transforaminal access to the neuroforamen L5-S1 is difficult in cases with high iliac crest. Here, the access to the highly downmigrated disc herniation with the recently reported technique of transpedicular endoscopic surgery by Krzok et al. was described. In 3 cases with highly downmigrated disc herniation of L5-S1, the sequester was removed successfully through the bone hole of S1 pedicle. This technique is demanding for experienced endoscopic surgeons.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Diskectomy for Axillar Herniation at L5-S1 via the Transforaminal Approach Versus the Interlaminar Approach: A Prospective Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal diskectomy (PETD) in comparison with percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar diskectomy (PEID) for axillar herniation at L5-S1.

METHODS

From January 2017 to March 2018, 80 patients admitted with axillar herniation at L5-S1 were randomly recruited into 2 groups: 40 cases in the PETD group and 40 in the PEID group. Each group separately underwent PETD or PEID. Patient sex, age, body mass index, axillar herniation size, number of C-arm fluoroscopies, operation time, postoperative bed time, complications, and clinical effect were compared. Both groups were followed-up using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), and Macnab criteria.

RESULTS

Except for 1 case in the PETD group that switched to the PEID group, the patients completed the study as expected. All patients were followed-up. Preoperative demographics were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the 2 groups. The mean number of C-arm fluoroscopies (12.44 ± 3.21) and the operation time (66.49 ± 16.29 minutes) of the PETD group were significantly improved compared with the PEID group (number of fluoroscopies: 3.41 ± 0.81, P < 0.001; operation time: 53.56 ± 10.82 minutes, P < 0.001), but the postoperative bed rest time and complication rate were not (P > 0.05). The postoperative ODI and VAS scores were obviously improved in both groups when compared with preoperation (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the Macnab criteria or VAS and ODI scores at the same time point (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For axillar herniation at L5-S1, PEID can ignore the anatomic obstruction with advantages including a shorter operation time and less intraoperative radiation exposure. PETD has a clinical effect similar to that of PEID, but the process of it is more dangerous and harder than PEID.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy by transfacet joint approach: A case report

RATIONALE

The accurate and smooth establishment of a working cannula guarantees rapid and minimally invasive treatment effects using percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). With anatomic variations such as a hyperplastic superior articular process (SAP), the conventional transforaminal approach cannot achieve an ideal result.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 48-year-old male patient suffered waist and left lower limb pain, with exacerbation of symptoms after exertion.

DIAGNOSES

L5-S1 disc herniation, hyperplastic SAP of S1.

INTERVENTIONS

To demonstrate the segment responsible for compression, a lumbar nerve root block was carried out. This was followed by PELD via a transfacet joint approach at L5-S1.

OUTCOMES

The patient experienced an improved quality of life postoperatively (i.e., visual analog score for pain = 1 and Oswestry disability index  = 88). Lumbar function and stability were preserved as of the 1-month postoperative follow-up.

LESSONS

The transfacet joint approach could extend the indications for PELD and present an alternative option in selected cases. A new concept of "subsidence foramen" is raised to characterize this anatomic variation, and it may guide working access establishment of PELD. In addition, reading imaging results carefully and individualizing treatments promote the use of PELD as minimally invasive surgery.

Development of a Virtual Reality Preoperative Planning System for Postlateral Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Surgery and Its Clinical Application

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy is an effective way to treat lumbar disc herniation. Traditional preoperative planning based on a 2-dimensional method by magnetic resonance/computed tomography may cause inaccuracy of puncture during surgery. We used virtual reality to stimulate a surgery environment and measured relevant 3-dimensional data. We then explored its applicability for increasing puncture accuracy during actual surgeries.

METHODS

A prospective randomized trial of lumbar disc herniation was conducted. Both conventional and virtual reality methods were used for preoperative planning and relevant data (planned puncture point and entry angle) were measured. Data were used during surgery and adjusted to complete the operation. The final entry point and entry angle were recorded and compared with relevant planned data statistically. Fluoroscopic times and location time also were included to access the puncture accuracy during surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty cases were included in our study. Both groups achieved good results after surgery, except for 1 case of postoperative dysesthesia in the traditional planning group and 1 case of residual disc in the virtual reality group. The use of virtual reality can predict a surgery-related angle and distance accurately except for depth. Compared with the traditional planning group, the fluoroscopic time (13.18 ± 4.191 vs. 32.00 ± 4.52) and location time (17.91 ± 4.74 vs. 33.22 ± 3.90) were statistically different, which indicates that this method can increase puncture accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

A virtual reality planning system is an accurate preoperative planning method that can significantly improve the puncture accuracy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and reduce fluoroscopic and location times.

[Effect and effectiveness analysis of different approaches of transforaminal endoscope on extirpation amount of nuclues pulposus]

Objective

To investigate the effect and effectiveness analysis of different approaches of transforaminal endoscope on extirpation amount of nuclues pulposus.

Methods

Between August 2011 and December 2014, a total of 165 patients with lumbar disc herniation were retrospectively enrolled and were treated with nucleus pulposus discectomy through transforaminal endoscope. The patients were randomly divided into 4 groups according to different approach of transforaminal endoscope. The posterolateral approach (Yeung's technology) was used in group A (42 cases), transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technology was used in group B (40 cases), improved transforaminal endoscopic access (ITEA) technology was used in group C (43 cases), and interlaminar approach (40 cases) was used in group D (40 cases). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, symptomatic side, and segments among 4 groups ( P>0.05). The extirpation amount of nuclues pulposus was calculated and compared among 4 groups; the effectiveness was evaluated by pre- and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), lumbar curvature index (LCI), and intervertebral height.

Results

The discectomy amount of nucleus pulposus was (3.7±0.8), (3.6±0.7), (4.5±1.1), and (3.0±0.8) cm ³ in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. The amount of group C was significantly larger than that of the other 3 groups ( P<0.05), and the amount of group D was significantly smaller than that of the other 3 groups ( P<0.05); no significant difference was found between groups A and B ( P>0.05). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was found in 1 case; no other postoperative complications including intervertebral space infection and epidural hematoma was found. All the incisions healed by first intension. All the patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 18 months), and no typical symptoms of recurrence was found during the follow-up period. There was no significant difference in preoperative lower back pain VAS score, lower extremities VAS score, and ODI scores among 4 groups ( P>0.05). The above scores at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in each group ( P<0.05), but no significant difference of above scores and recovery values was found among 4 groups ( P>0.05). The difference in LCI and intervertebral height at preoperation and at last follow-up were not significant between 4 groups ( P>0.05). The difference in LCI and intervertebral height of each group between at preoperation and last follow-up were not significant ( P>0.05). And the recovery value of LCI and the lost of height at last follow-up also showed no significant differences between 4 groups ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

The ITEA technology can give a wider field of view than other technologies. It is more convenient to find and remove the nucleus pulposus. However, the appropriate operative approaches should be chosen according to the symptoms and characteristics of lumbar disc herniation.

Posterior resection of fifth lumbar giant schwannoma combined with a recapping transiliac approach: case report and technical note

A two-stage combined anterior and posterior approach is commonly used for total resection of giant spinal tumors. However, an anterior approach at the lower lumbar level is technically challenging because of the anatomy of the iliac wing, major vessels and nerves of the lumbosacral plexus. We report a case of fifth vertebral tumor treated posteriorly with a newly devised surgical procedure combined with a recapping transiliac approach. A 45-year-old female diagnosed with giant schwannoma of the fifth lumbar vertebra underwent single-stage posterior tumor resection combined with osteotomy of the lateral part of the iliac crest. Without an anterior approach, tumor excision was completed with a wide view into the fifth lumbar vertebral body. Autogenous bone graft was harvested and used to treat the bone defect. The resected iliac bone was recapped and fixed with screws. The patient was monitored for 8 years without recurrence, and postoperative lumbar alignment remained unchanged. This surgical procedure is safe and a useful adjunct approach for posterior total resection of giant spinal tumors at the lower lumbar level.

Anatomical considerations of the iliac crest on percutaneous endoscopic discectomy using a transforaminal approach

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure for the surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). It can be performed under local anesthesia and requires a skin incision of only 8 mm, with minimal disruption of the spinal structures including ligaments and muscles. However, performing percutaneous endoscopic discectomy with a transforaminal approach (TF-PED) for the lower lumbar spine is associated with some anatomical problems, such as interference from the iliac crest. This study sought to assess the operability of TF-PED for the lower lumbar spine.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess a three-dimensional relationship between the trajectory of TF-PED and the iliac crest, and the operability of TF-PED at the lower lumbar disc levels (L4-L5 and L5-S1) using CT images.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective study using 323 multiplanar abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans.

PATIENT SAMPLE

We retrospectively reviewed contrast-enhanced multiplanar abdominal CT scans of 323 consecutive patients (203 male and 120 female) in our hospital from April 2009 to March 2013. The mean age was 66.5 (range 15-89) years old.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The operability of the TF-PED was the outcome measure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We defined the tangent line in the iliac crest and the superior articular process of the caudal spine as the trajectory line of TF-PED, and evaluated the maximum inclination angle of the trajectory of the TF-PED (α angle) at the L4-L5 and the L5-S1 disc levels. Assuming the use of an oblique viewing endoscope at 25°, we defined α angle≥65° as the operability of TF-PED.

RESULTS

(1) Relationship between iliac crest and disc level: The trajectory of the TF-PED interfered with the iliac crest at L4-L5 in 40.2% (right) and 54.5% (left) of the subjects, and at L5-S1 in 99.7% and 100% of the subjects. (2) The maximum inclination angle of the trajectory of TF-PED: the α angles were 84.3° and 82.3° at the L4-L5, and 56.8° and 55.2° at L5-S1. (3) Laterality of the α angle: At both disc levels, the mean age of the subjects with a laterality of ≥10° was significantly higher than that of subjects with a laterality of <10°. (4) Operability of TF-PED: At L4-L5, TF-PED could be performed in 94.4% and 90.4% of the subjects. In contrast, at L5-S1 the procedure could be performed in 24.1% and 19.2% of the subjects (male: 15.8% and 10.8%, female: 38.3% and 33.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

From the results of this study, the trajectory of TF-PED can be limited by the surrounding anatomical structures. The maximum inclination angle indicated that treatment for the central type of LDH at the L5-S1 disc level was considered more difficult than that at the L4-L5 disc level because of the iliac crest. In the clinical setting, such anatomical particularities can be overcome by using a more perpendicular approach (hand-down technique) with the possible addition of a foraminoplasty. Moreover, we found that we must consider the laterality of the trajectory of TF-PED in terms of the patients' age or sex.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for high-grade down-migrated disc using a trans-facet process and pedicle-complex approach: a technical case series

PURPOSE

The use of conventional percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for high-grade down-migrated lumbar disc herniation medial to the pedicle via the transforaminal route can result in less favorable outcomes. We report a new PELD technique for the treatment of high-grade down-migrated lumbar disc herniation via a facet process and pedicle-complex approach.

METHODS

Three patients with high-grade down-migrated L3-4 and L4-5 disc herniation presented to our hospital. Each underwent PELD via a facet process and pedicle complex approach to remove the herniated fragment and achieve complete decompression of the nerve root.

RESULTS

Patients' symptoms were relieved. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed root decompression. Follow-up 12-month computed tomography revealed no pedicle or facet fracture and healing of the pedicle complex and facet process bone tunnel.

CONCLUSION

PELD via a facet process and pedicle-complex approach may be an option for high-grade, down-migrated lumbar disc herniation with completely sequestrated nucleus pulposus.

Application of transiliac approach to intervertebral endoscopic discectomy in L5/S1 intervertebral disc herniation

Objective

To discuss the significance and the short-term effect of bone puncture technique in transiliac approach to intervertebral endoscopic discectomy for the treatment of L5/S1 intervertebral disc herniation.

Methods

Nineteen patients were diagnosed as L5/S1 disc herniation and treated using transiliac approach to endoscopic discectomy (group I), and 20 patients were diagnosed as non-L5/S1 disc herniation and underwent conventional approach (group R). Leg pain was evaluated by VAS. MacNab ratings of the last follow-up were recorded to evaluate early clinical efficacy, and postoperative complications were recorded to evaluate surgical safety. The imaging changes of the patients 3 months after surgery were observed.

Results

One patient in group I, who felt abnormal in nerve roots, underwent symptomatic treatments, such as rehydration and hormone, and the abnormalities disappeared 3 days after treatment. There were no significant significances in operative time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times between groups I and R (p > 0.05), but there was a higher tendency in group I. The VAS scores of post-operation were significantly lower than that of pre-operation in the two groups (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). The MacNab score of the last follow-up showed excellent rate (95%) and good rate (90%) in groups I and R, respectively.

Conclusions

Bone puncture-combined transiliac approach to intervertebral endoscopic surgery could locate iliac puncture point individually, and establish a good iliac channel, which is safe, effective, and minimally invasive.

Structural Preservation Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Interlaminar Discectomy for L5-S1 Herniated Nucleus Pulposus

Objective. Structures such as ligamentum flavum, annulus, and lamina play an important role in the segmental function. We proposed the surgical technique for achieving the sufficient preservation of segmental structures, in spite of sufficient removal of pathologic disc in the L5-S1 using the ligamentum flavum splitting and sealing technique. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 80 cases that underwent percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for L5-S1 herniated nucleus pulposus, using the ligamentum flavum splitting and sealing technique between January 2011 and June 2013. Outcomes were assessed using VAS (leg, back), MacNab's criteria, and the immediate postoperative MRI for all patients. Structural preservation was classified as complete, sufficient, and incomplete. Results. The surgical results are as follows: 65 cases were complete, 15 cases were sufficient, and 0 cases were incomplete. The VAS was decreased at the last follow-up (leg: from 7.91 ± 0.73 to 1.15 ± 0.62; back: from 5.15 ± 0.71 to 1.19 ± 0.75). A favorable outcome (excellent or good outcome by MacNab's criteria) was achieved in 77 patients (96.25%). During the follow-up period, 2 cases (2.5%) of recurrence have occurred. Conclusion. According to the result, we could obtain the favorable clinical and radiological outcomes while simultaneously removing pathologic discs using the ligamentum flavum splitting and annular fissure sealing technique.

Endoscopic inter laminar management of lumbar disease

Discectomy for lumbar disc provides faster relief in acute attack than does conservative management. Long-term results of open, microscopy-, and endoscopy-assisted discectomy are same. Early results of endoscopy-assisted surgery are better as compared to that of open surgery in terms of better visualization, smaller incision, reduced hospital stay, better education, lower cost, less pain, early return to work, and rehabilitation. Although microscopic discectomy also has comparable advantages, endoscopic-assisted technique better addresses opposite side pathology. Inter laminar technique (ILT) and trans foraminal technique (TFT) are two main endoscopic approaches for lumbar pathologies. Endoscopy-assisted ILT can be performed in recurrent, migrated, and calcified discs. All lumbar levels including L5-S1 level, intracanalicular, foraminal disc, lumbar canal and lateral recess stenosis, multiple levels, and bilateral lesions can be managed by ILT. Migrated, calcified discs, L5-S1 pathology, lumbar canal, and lateral recess stenosis can be better approached by ILT than by TFT. Most spinal surgeons are familiar with anatomy of ILT. It can be safely performed in foramen stenosis and in uncooperative and anxious patients. There is less risk of exiting nerve root damage, especially in short pedicles and in presence of facet osteophytes as compared to TFT. On the other hand, ILT is more invasive than TFT with more chances of perforations of the dura matter, pseudomeningocele formation, and cerebrospinal fluid fistula in early learning curve. Obtaining microsurgical experience, attending workshops, and suitable patient selection can help shorten the learning curve. Once adequate skill is acquired, this procedure is safe and effective. The surgeon must be prepared to convert to an open procedure, especially in early learning curve. Spinal endoscopy is likely to achieve more roles in future. Endoscopy-assisted ILT is a safer alternative to the microscopic technique.

Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression & foraminoplasty: a 10 year prospective survivability outcome study of the treatment of foraminal stenosis and failed back surgery

Background

Conventional diagnosis between axial and foraminal stenosis is suboptimal and long-term outcomes limited to posterior decompression. Aware state Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression and Foraminoplasty (TELDF) offers a direct aware state means of localizing and treating neuro-claudicant back pain, referred pain and weakness associated with stenosis failing to respond to conventional rehabilitation, pain management or surgery. This prospective survivability study examines the outcomes 10 years after TELDF in patients with foraminal stenosis arising from degeneration or failed back surgery.

Methods

For 10 years prospective data were collected on 114 consecutive patients with multilevel spondylosis and neuro-claudicant back pain, referred pain and weakness with or without failed back surgery whose symptoms had failed to respond to conventional rehabilitation and pain management and who underwent TELDF. The level responsible for the predominant presenting symptoms of foraminal stenosis, determined on clinical grounds, MRI and or CT scans, was confirmed by transforaminal probing and discography. Patients underwent TELDF at the spinal segment at which the predominant presenting symptoms were reproduced. Those that required treatment at an additional segment were excluded. Outcomes were assessed by postal questionnaire with failures being examined by the independent authors using the Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAPS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Prolo Activity Score.

Results

Cohort integrity was 69%. 79 patients were available for evaluation after removal of the deceased (12), untraceable (17) and decliners (6) from the cohort.

VAP scores improved from a pre-operative mean of 7.3 to 2.4 at year 10. The ODI improved from a mean of 58.5 at baseline to 17.5 at year 10. 72% of reviewed patients fulfilled the definition of an “Excellent” or “Good Clinical Impact” at review using the Spinal Foundation Outcome Score. Based on the Prolo scale, 61 patients (77%) were able to return and continue in full or part-time work or retirement activity post-TELDF. Complications of TELDF were limited to transient nerve irritation, which affected 19% of the cohort for 2 – 4 weeks. TELDF was equally beneficial in those with failed back surgery.

Conclusions

TELDF is a beneficial intervention for the long-term treatment of severely disabled patients with neuro-claudicant symptoms arising from spinal or foraminal stenosis with a dural diameter of more than 3mm, who have failed to respond to conventional rehabilitation or chronic pain management. It results in considerable improvements in symptoms and function sustained 10 years later despite co-morbidity, ageing or the presence of failed back surgery.

Clinical Relevance

The long term outcome of TELDF in severely disabled patients with neuro-claudicant symptoms arising from foraminal stenosis which had failed to respond to conventional rehabilitation, surgery or chronic pain management suggests that foraminal pathology is a major cause of lumbar axial and referred pain and that TELDF should be offered as primary treatment for these conditions even in the elderly and infirm. The application of TELDF at multiple levels may further widen the benefits of this technique.

The "inside out" transforaminal technique to treat lumbar spinal pain in an awake and aware patient under local anesthesia: results and a review of the literature

Surgical management of back and leg pain is evolving and changing due to a better understanding of the patho-anatomy well correlated with its pathophysiology. Pain is better understood with in vivo visualization and probing of the pain generators using an endoscopic access rather than just relying on symptoms diagram and image correlation. This has resulted in a shared decision making involving patient and surgeon, focused on a broader spectrum of surgical as well as non-surgical treatments, and not just masking the pain generator. It has moved away from decisions based on diagnostic images alone, that, while noting the image alterations, cannot explain the pain experienced by each individual as images do not always show variations in nerve supply and patho-anatomy. The ability to isolate and visualize "pain" generators in the foramen and treating persistent pain by visualizing inflammation and compression of nerves, serves as the basis for transforaminal endoscopic (TFE) surgery. This has also resulted in better pre surgical planning with more specific and defined goals in mind. The "Inside out" philosophy of TFE surgery is safe and precise. It provides basic access to the disc and foramen to cover a large spectrum of painful pathologies.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy via contralateral approach: a technical case report

STUDY DESIGN

Technical case report.

OBJECTIVE

The authors report a new percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) technique for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation via a contralateral approach.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

When there are highly down-migrated lumbar disc herniation along just medial to pedicle and narrow ipsilateral intervertebral foramen, the conventional PELD is not easily accessible via ipsilateral transforaminal route.

METHODS

Five patients manifested gluteal and leg pain because of a soft disc herniation at the L4-L5 level. Transforaminal PELD via a contralateral approach was performed to remove the herniated fragment, achieving complete decompression of the nerve root.

RESULTS

The symptom was relieved and the patient was discharged the next day.

CONCLUSION

When a conventional transforaminal PELD is difficult because of some anatomical reasons, PELD via a contralateral route could be a good alternative option in selected cases.

Foraminoplastic ventral epidural approach for removal of extruded herniated fragment at the L5-S1 level

The 'foraminoplastic' ventral epidural approach and its advantages in the treatment of extruded disk herniation at the L5-S1 level are described. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure applicable to various types of lumbar disk herniation, but the L5-S1 disk space is still challenging to access due to anatomic limitations such as high iliac crest or severely narrowed foramen. The 'foraminoplastic' ventral epidural approach was performed in 25 patients with herniated disk radiculopathy at L5-S1 from March 2003 to May 2004. Their mean age was 39.2 years (range 20-67 years) and the mean follow-up duration was 32.5 months (range 28-42 months). During the procedure, 'foraminoplasty' was performed by undercutting the hypertrophic superior facet with the endoscopic bone cutter under C-arm guidance. The clinical result was assessed according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Preoperative mean VAS score of 7.4 for leg pain fell to 1.6 postoperatively and mean preoperative ODI of 55.5% improved to 16.9% postoperatively, both showing significant improvements (p < 0.001). Mean hospital stay was 14.2 hours. Twenty-two patients had the favorable outcomes. Two patients required conversion to open microdiscectomy due to incomplete decompression and recurrent disk herniation. The 'foraminoplastic' approach is a safe and efficient surgical option for L5-S1 disk herniation even in patients with high iliac crest and narrow foramen.