Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar endoscopic discectomy in L5-S1 calcified disc herniation

Abstract

Introduction: Calcified lumbar intervertebral disc herniation is a special type of herniated disc, the cause of which is still poorly understood. Chronic inflammation is proposed as a possible cause of calcification. Calcification can occur in the herniated nucleus pulposus when the course of the lumbar herniated disc has been> 6 months. A hard disk increases the stenosis of the nerve root canal and therefore causes compressive symptoms giving dysesthesia in the lower extremities. Most patients will need open surgery as well as subsequent decompression and instrumentation. Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy, using minimally invasive techniques, is a safe alternative treatment for calcified herniated discs. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 34-year-old male patient, Police on active duty, with severe low back pain according to the Pain Scale (VAS) of 8 and Oswestry Index of Disability also disabled (56%), in addition to radiculopathy of the long lower left limb evolution, without apparent cause and exacerbated 6 months ago. Magnetic resonance imaging shows a left foraminal paracentral paracentral protrusion hernia with morphological changes like calcification and with L5-S1 caudal migration, in addition to a severe narrowing of the canal. Conclusions: Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy is a safe procedure that allows, with minimal invasion techniques, to decompress the medullary canal despite having significant narrowing. It also does not destroy healthy tissue unnecessarily or sacrifice stability. Lastly, a lower incidence of complications is reported.