Abstract
Background Recently, “over the top” (also called ULBD; microscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression) is a less invasive technique for symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), and this minimally invasive surgical technique has demonstrated favorable therapeutic outcomes. However, the risk of postoperative complications remains controversial. Objective This study is aimed at determining the clinical efficacy and complication and rehabilitation of the microscopic “over the top” for degenerative LSS in geriatric patients. Study Design. This was a retrospective study. Setting. All data were obtained from the People's Hospital of a University. Methods A retrospective analysis of 39 consecutive elderly patients treated for LSS by microscopic “over the top” between January 2016 and January 2018 was performed. A postoperative rehabilitation program for geriatric patients with restricted weight-bearing was instituted after the microscopic “over the top” treatment. Estimated blood loss, duration of operation, length of hospitalization, and total complications were also evaluated. The CT and MRI examinations of the lumbar spine were collected to evaluate the completeness of the nerve decompression. Clinical data were assessed at 6 months and 12 months after operation utilizing the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Preoperative comorbidities, complications, and revision surgery were also recorded. Results We enrolled a total of 39 degenerative LSS patients (27 male and 12 female patients, mean age of 75.8 ± 9.2 years). Twenty patients had one-level of degenerative LSS; thirteen patients had two-level of LSS; six patients had three-level of LSS. The average follow-up time in our study was 14.6 ± 7.8 months (range, 6-24 months). The overall complication rate was 10.2% (4/39), and the reoperation rates at one year were 2.5% (1/39). VAS back and leg pain score at 6 months were decreased to 1.8 ± 0.7 and 1.4 ± 0.6, respectively, and remained at 1.9 ± 0.3 and 1.2 ± 0.2 at 12 months, respectively. ODI scores improved significantly from 32.26 ± 6.82 to 11.44 ± 2.50 at 6 months and 10.56 ± 2.29 at 12 months. 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores revealed a significant improvement throughout follow-up. Postoperative complications included dural tear (n = 2), neurologic deficit (n = 1), and reoperation (n = 1). No infections or hematomas were reported. Limitation. Multicenter research is recommended to confirm our results and investigate the factors related to clinical and radiographic results. Conclusions Microscopic “over the top” technique is a safe, effective option in the therapy of degenerative LSS and obtained satisfactory functional outcomes when coupled with aggressive rehabilitation, with a long recurrence-free recovery.
Highlights
The prevalence of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is expected to increase in the context of an increasing and aging population
An appropriate selection of surgical technique should be used to answer two major problems: (1) Does this surgical technique decrease morbidity and mortality rates? (2) Does this surgical technique decompress the neural elements adequately to relieve symptoms? this study is aimed at evaluating complication rates and clinical outcomes after a microscopic “over the top” approach in geriatric patients
Age has been investigated as an independent risk factor for degenerative LSS, which was related to an increased risk of morbidity after open spine surgery [9]
Summary
The prevalence of degenerative LSS is expected to increase in the context of an increasing and aging population. “over the top” ( called ULBD; microscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression) is a less invasive technique for symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), and this minimally invasive surgical technique has demonstrated favorable therapeutic outcomes. This study is aimed at determining the clinical efficacy and complication and rehabilitation of the microscopic “over the top” for degenerative LSS in geriatric patients. A retrospective analysis of 39 consecutive elderly patients treated for LSS by microscopic “over the top” between January 2016 and January 2018 was performed. A postoperative rehabilitation program for geriatric patients with restricted weight-bearing was instituted after the microscopic “over the top” treatment. Microscopic “over the top” technique is a safe, effective option in the therapy of degenerative LSS and obtained satisfactory functional outcomes when coupled with aggressive rehabilitation, with a long recurrence-free recovery
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