Discectomy Research Articles

Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy for Large, Two Level Calcified, Thoracic Disc Herniations With 5-Year Follow-up

To describe technical details and benefits of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for treatment of patients with large, dorsomedial, calcified thoracic disc herniations at 2 levels and to report on their clinical outcomes in long follow-up period of 5 years using 4 different outcome tools. We present 2 patients with large, calcified disc herniations at 2 levels in mid and lower thoracic spine treated endoscopically in local anesthesia. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using verbal numeric scale (VNS), Roland-Morris low back pain and disability questionnaire (RMQ), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and modified MacNab criteria at 6-, 12-, 24-, 60-month follow-up. After transforaminal endoscopic discectomy, both patients had significant postoperative reduction of back pain using VNS and significant outcome improvement using ODI, RMQ score, and modified MacNab criteria. These results did not change during all 4 follow-up periods. Transforaminal percutaneous full-endoscopic discectomy and hand reamers foraminotomy in local anesthesia is feasible and effective surgical technique for patients with large, calcified thoracic disc herniations at 2 levels even in long follow-up period of 5 years using 4 different outcome measuring tools. All 3 outcome measuring tools correlated well with pain reduction using VNS.

Percutaneous transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy: An appropriate outpatient procedure for lumbar disc pathologies in a high output tertiary care centre

Introduction: A very common problem that we come across is that of lower backache in middle aged and elderly, in which disc prolapse is far more prevalent in the population than realised. However, radicular steps like spine surgery is a frightening concept for most. In our world, where technology has undergone such advances, offering a concept like day care spine surgery that too under local anaesthesia for relief of radicular pain, will be a welcome breath. This treatment option not only works faster than epidural injection or oral pain relievers, but also is a more permanent mode of treatment in a tertiary care centre where patient load is a big issue. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the success and surgical outcome of percutaneous transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy on patients with disc prolapse and benefit to the hospital due to rapid turnover of patients. Material and Methods: Total 20 patients were followed and reviewed in Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad from between July to December 2016. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess relief from pain and radiculopathy and Macnab’s criteria to know the patient satisfaction. Results: At the end of 6 weeks, mean post-operative VAS was 3 as compared to pre-operative 8.8 Macnab’s criteria gave excellent and good results in 80% individuals. Mean hospital stay was 1.2days with no complications like dural tear or infection. One patient underwent open discectomy. Conclusion: Transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy is a novel technique for most of the government tertiary care centres with many patients but lacking advanced technology. Inspite of having a steep learning curve and high one time cost of instruments, it could become gold standard as it relieves symptoms immediately reducing surgical and anaesthetic complications. It being a day care procedure results in rapid turnover of patients. Keywords: Transforaminal, Lumbar discectomy, Percutaneous endoscopic.

Evaluation of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Retrospective Study.

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) and open fenestration discectomy (OFD) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).MethodsPatients in our hospital with LDH who received PTED (n = 71) and OFD (n = 39) from 2013 to 2014 were retrospectively studied. Patient information, including age, gender, visual analogue scale (VAS) score for low back pain and leg pain, body weight, height, Oswestry disability index (ODI), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), and recurrence, was collected. The patients in the two groups were followed up for an average of 63 months after surgery.ResultsA total of 136 patients completed the operation and 110 patients were followed up completely. There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P > 0.05). The postoperative low back pain, leg pain, ODI, and JOA of the two groups were better than those preoperatively (P < 0.05). One week after surgery, the recovery of PTED patients was better than that of OFD. The ODI score of the PTED group was lower than that of the OFD group (10 [8, 12] vs 14 [11, 16]; P < 0.05), the waist VAS score of the PTED group was lower than that of the OFD group (2 [2, 3] vs 3 [2, 4]; P < 0.05), the leg VAS score of the PTED group was lower than that of the OFD group (1 [0,1] vs 1 [1, 2]; P < 0.05), while the JOA score of the PTED group was higher than that of OFD group [19(16, 20) vs 12(10, 17); P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in ODI, JOA, waist and leg VAS scores between the two groups at 1 month after surgery and at subsequent follow‐up (P > 0.05). At the end of the follow up, 89.7% (35/39) of patients in the OFD group had excellent improvement in the JOA score, and 88.7% (63/71) of patients in the PTED group had an excellent improvement. There was no significant difference between the two (P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups [(5/71) vs (3/39); P > 0.05]. [Correction added on 05 March 2021, after first online publication: “3/29” was amended to “3/39” in the preceding sentence.]ConclusionBoth PTED and OFD can achieve good mid‐term efficacy in the treatment of LDH but PTED has certain advantages, including the small incision, a shorter hospital stay, and quicker, earlier recovery. However, prospective randomized controlled studies with a larger sample size are needed.

Different approaches to percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for L5/S1 lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective study

Objective To observe the surgical procedure and outcome of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for L5/S1 lumbar disc herniation (LDH) by the interlaminar and transforaminal approach. Methods A total of 153 patients with L5/S1 LDH who were treated using percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD, n = 84) or percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID, n = 69) from January 2016 to January 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The time of puncture, operation under the endoscope, total operation and number of fluoroscopy of the two groups were compared. All groups were followed up for two years by using the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Additionally, the incidence of complications, reoperation and postoperative low back pain were compared between the two groups. Results There were no significant difference in general information between the two groups. Compared to the PEID group, the PETD group had a decreased operation time under the endoscope and an increased puncture time, total operation time, and the number of fluoroscopy (p < 0.05). The preoperative VAS and ODI scores of the PETD and PEID group were decreased at the last follow-up (p < 0.05). There were no difference in the preoperative or last follow-up VAS and ODI scores, as well as complications, reoperation between the two groups (p > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative low back pain in the PETD group was lower than that in the PEID group (p > 0.05). Conclusions The two-year clinical outcome of PETD is equal to that of PEID for L5/S1 LDH. Compared to those with PETD, the puncture time, total operation time and radiation exposure are lower with PEID, but the incidence of postoperative low back pain is higher.

Epidural steroids following percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) has been widely used in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation and spinal stenosis, epidural steroids following PEID in an effort to reduce the incidence and duration of postoperative pain. Although steroids are widely thought to reduce the effect of surgical trauma, the observation index is not uniform, so the issue is still controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of local epidural steroids application following PEID.Methods:We will search the following databases from their inception to August 2020, PubMed, Embase, Medline, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Web of Science, Wan Fang Database, Cochrane Library. The search strategy includes the MeSH terms. Meta-analysis will be performed using Rev Man V.5.3.5 statistical software.Results:This study will provide a high-quality synthesis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of local epidural steroids following PEID.Conclusion:This systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether local epidural steroids application following PEID is an effective and safe intervention for patients. It will provide reliable evidence for its extensive application.Registration number:INPLASY2020100085

Parametric study of anterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (APECD)

Anterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (APECD) is a common treatment for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). In this study, the effects of various channel diameters and approach angles on cervical vertebrae on postoperative outcomes in APECD surgery were explored. A finite element model of intact cervical C3-C7 was constructed and then modified to obtain six surgical models. Range of motion (ROM) and intradiscal pressure (IDP) were calculated under different conditions of flexion (Fle), extension (Ext), lateral bending, and axial rotation. During Fle and bending to the left (LB), the ROM was closer to the intact model when the angle of approach was 90°. During bending to the left (LB) and rotation to the left (LR), the ROM changed considerably (43.2%, 33.7%, respectively) where the angle of approach was 45°. As the surgical channel diameter increased, the extent of the change in ROM compared with the intact model also increased. IDP decreased by 48% and 49%, respectively, compared with the intact model at the C5-C6 segment where the angle of approach was 45° and 60° during Fle, while it changed little at 90°, by less than 10%. The IDP was increased noticeably by 117.6%, 82.1%, and 105.8%, for channel diameters of 2, 3 and 4 mm, respectively. And declined noticeably during LB and LR (LB: 27.1%, 27.1%, 38.5%; LR: 37.4%, 35.5%, 48.7%). The results demonstrated that the shorter the surgical path, the smaller surgical diameter, the less the biomechanical influence on the cervical vertebra.

Risk Factors for Recurrent L4-5 Disc Herniation After Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy: A Retrospective Analysis of 654 Cases.

BackgroundPercutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is an increasingly applied minimally invasive procedure that has several advantages in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). However, recurrent LDH (rLDH) has become a concerning postoperative complication. It remains difficult to establish a consensus and draw reliable conclusions regarding the risk factors for rLDH.PurposeThis retrospective study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with rLDH at the L4-5 level after percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD).MethodsA total of 654 patients who underwent the PETD procedure at the L4-5 level from October 2013 to January 2020 were divided into a recurrence (R) group (n=46) and a nonrecurrence (N) group (n=608). Demographic and clinical data and imaging parameters were collected and analyzed using univariate and multiple regression analyses.ResultsThe current study found a 7% rate of rLDH at the L4/5 level after successful PETD. Univariate analysis showed that older age, high BMI, diabetes mellitus history, smoking, large physical load intensity, moderate disc degeneration, small muscle–disc ratio (M/D), more fat infiltration, large sagittal range of motion (sROM), scoliosis, small disc height index (DHI), small intervertebral space angle (ISA), and small lumbar lordosis (LL) were potential risk factors (P < 0.10) for LDH recurrence after PETD at the L4-5 level. Multivariate analysis suggested that high BMI, large physical load intensity, moderate disc degeneration, small M/D, more fat infiltration, large sROM, small ISA, and small LL were independent significant risk factors for recurrence of LDH after PETD.ConclusionConsideration of disc degeneration, M/D, fat infiltration of the paravertebral muscles, sROM, ISA, LL, BMI, and physical load intensity prior to surgical intervention may contribute to the prevention of rLDH following PETD and lead to a more satisfactory operative outcome and the development of a reasonable rehabilitation program after discharge.

Microendoscopic Discectomy Combined with Annular Suture Versus Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective Observational Study

Background Microendoscopic discectomy (MED) and percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) are 2 of the most popular minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques. We are investigating whether minimally invasive early annular closure can achieve a better clinical effect in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Objective To compare the clinical and imaging outcomes between MED combined with annular suture and PTED in the treatment of LDH. Study design A prospective observational study with follow-up of 36 months. Setting The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang in China. Methods A total of 135 prospective consecutive patients underwent MED + annular suture or PTED. Patients were assessed postoperatively at 3 days and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. The outcome measures were visual analog scales for back pain (VAS-back) and leg pain (VAS-leg) scores, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey bodily pain (SF36-BP), and physical function (SF36-PF) scales, disc height, and recurrence rate. Results One hundred and six patients have completed the 3-year follow-up. The operation time and length of stay in the MED + annular suture group were longer than that in the PTED group (P Limitations First, this was not a randomized controlled trail, which could provide more evidence-based conclusions. Second, we did not accurately measure and compare the amount of nucleus pulposus removed, although less nucleus pulposus was removed in MED + annular suture. Conclusion PTED has the advantages of shorter length of incision, shorter operation time, and shorter length of stay. MED + annular suture is associated with greater preservation of disc height, and showed certain advantages of lower recurrence rate, although there was no statistical difference.

Electromagnetic navigation-assisted percutaneous endoscopic foraminoplasty and discectomy for lumbar disc herniation: technical note and preliminary results

The aim of the present study was to report a new technique for electromagnetic navigation system-assisted percutaneous full-endoscopic foraminoplasty and discectomy and to evaluate the efficacy of this technology in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). This is a retrospective study. Seventeen patients who underwent electromagnetic navigation system-assisted percutaneous full-endoscopic foraminoplasty and discectomy in our department from September to November 2018 were included in the study. Patients' hospital charts, magnetic resonance imaging results, surgical data and follow-up records were reviewed. Outcomes were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), modified MacNab criteria and postoperative complications. The median follow-up time was 20.64 months (range, 19-21 months). The average operating time was 52.94±12.88 min (range, 35-78 min), including the working tube introduction time (13.59±2.89 min), decompression time (39.35±13.61 min), and the fluoroscopic time (3.65±2.52 min). Postoperative back VAS, leg VAS, and ODI were significantly improved compared with pre-operation, respectively (P<0.01). The overall excellent and good rate of these seventeen patients was 94%. There were no significant complications related to the operation. Electromagnetic navigation system-assisted percutaneous full-endoscopic foraminoplasty and discectomy is a safe and effective method for treating LDH and this method has the advantage of short operative time and fluoroscopic times.

Posterior Percutaneous Transpedicular Endoscopic Approach for Treating Single-Segment Cervical Myelopathy.

Background Standard posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD) is considered an effective minimally invasive surgery. Although standard PECD can be used to treat radiculopathy with relatively minimal trauma, it is still a challenge to use this approach for treating myelopathy. Objective This report is aimed at first describing a posterior transpedicular approach under endoscopy for myelopathy and evaluating the feasibility and short-term clinical effects of this approach. Methods In our retrospective analysis between Feb. 2016 to Mar. 2017, 16 patients managed with PECD using the posterior transpedicular approach for symptomatic single-segment myelopathy. Surgery involved drilling 1/2 to 2/3 of the medial portion of the pedicle under endoscopy to provide sufficient space and an appropriate angle for inserting the endoscope into the spinal canal, followed by ventral decompression of the spinal cord. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to evaluate pedicle healing and spinal cord decompression. The primary outcomes included a visual analog scale (VAS) scores of axial neck pain and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores of neurological conditions. Results All patients completed a 1-year follow-up examination. The mean duration of surgery was 95.44 ± 19.44 min (52–130 min). The fluoroscopy duration was 5.88 ± 1.05 (4–7). The VAS scores of axial pain significantly improved from 6.94 ± 0.75 preoperatively to 2.88 ± 1.22 postoperatively (P < 0.05). The mean JOA scores improved from 8.50 ± 1.12 preoperatively to 14.50 ± 1.46 at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). The effects were excellent in 8 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 2 cases. After partial pedicle excision, the width of the remaining pedicle was 1.70 ± 0.22 mm postoperatively and significantly recovered to 3.38 ± 0.49 mm at the 1-year follow-up. There were no surgery-related complications, such as dural tearing, spinal cord injury, nerve root injury, pedicle fracture, and cervical hematocele or infection. Conclusions The posterior transpedicular approach is an effective method for the treatment of myelopathy in select patients and is a supplement to the described surgical approach for PECD.

The endoscopic aspect of foraminal anatomy and dorsal root ganglion in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy.

Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy (PTED) offers an exceptional visualization of foraminal anatomy. Dorsal root ganglion and adjacent foraminal structures are satisfactorily visualized, thereby minimizing the risk of their intraoperative injury.

Necessity of routinely performing foraminoplasty during percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) for lumbar disc herniation

Objective To assess the role of foraminoplasty during percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) and compared the 2-year clinical results of patients underwent PETD w/o foraminoplasty. Methods A total of 412 patients, who underwent PETD at L3–S1 by the same surgical group, were enrolled in this study. The MRI was used to determine the height (H1) and width (W1) of the intervertebral foramen of L3–S1, the distance between the exiting nerve root and the upper edge of the lower vertebral pedicle (H2), and the distance (W2) between the point with 3 mm to the ventral side of the intervertebral space and superior articular process. The intervertebral foramen widths in the flexion (W3) and extension positions (W4) were also measured. A VAS of low back pain (LBP) and leg pain, ODI and JOA scores of LBP were used to assess the clinical results. Results Intraoperative verification showed that 347 cases (group A) did not need foraminoplasty, while the other 65 patients (group B) needed foraminoplasty, including 31 at L4–5 and 34 at L5-S1. The H1 and H2 of L3–S1 were reduced gradually without significant difference between two groups. The W1, W2, W3 and W4 were higher in group A (p < 0.05). The W3 was higher than W4 in both groups (p < 0.05). At 2-year follow-up, there was no significant difference of ODI and JOA score between two groups (p > 0.05). The VAS score of LBP was better in group A (p < 0.05). Conclusions Most of PETD procedure at L3–S1 levels could reach the therapeutic target without foraminoplasty. Due to anatomic characteristics of L5–S1, the foraminoplasty rate was much higher at L5–S1.

Preoperative Simulation of the Trajectory for L5/S1 Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy: A Novel Approach for Decision-Making

We simulated the trajectory for an L5/S1 percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) to guide decision-making for the surgery approach. Twenty-three patients with L5/S1 lumbar disc herniation were included in the study. The patients all underwent thin-section computed tomography scans, after which data were collected for 3-dimensional reconstruction. Simulations of the trajectory for the L5/S1 PETDs were generated and the hindrance of surrounding anatomic structures was evaluated. Preoperative simulation showed that 14 patients were considered suitable for lumbar PETD. Nine patients were not considered suitable for PETD surgery according to the simulation. Factors affecting the trajectory included high iliac crest in 5 patients, L5 transverse process in 3 patients, and hypertrophic L5-S1 facet joint in 1 patient. Preoperative simulation of the trajectory for L5/S1 PETD was helpful in the decision-making for the surgical approach.

Comparison of Two Minimally Invasive Techniques with Endoscopy and Microscopy for Extraforaminal Disc Herniations

Extraforaminal disc herniations are extraordinary herniations because they are located outside the foraminal bony borders and compress the root exiting at the corresponding level, whereas in median or paramedian herniations, the root 1 level below is compressed. Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (PED) and microscopic extraforaminal discectomy (MEFD) are 2 popular contemporary techniques that have been performed extensively for these herniations since the 1970s. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 118 patients who underwent either PED (66 patients) or MEFD (52 patients). All the patients were clinically evaluated for neurologic examination findings, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day as well as 6 and 12 months after surgery. The complication rates and types of both techniques were discussed. The preoperative VAS score and ODI were all comparable. Improvements in VAS scores 6 months postoperatively and improvements in ODI at all follow-up periods were statistically significant in favor of PED. However, there was great discrepancy regarding the postsurgical complications in favor of MEFD. PED is more prone to complications because this technique is strictly dependent on the tubular system and the ideal anatomy of the Kambin triangle. Variations in or degeneration of the Kambin triangle can lead to devastating complications in the PED technique, but normal anatomic conditions are feasible in only approximately 20% of patients. The most important feature of this study was that both techniques were performed by the same experienced team, who developed their own concept.

Analysis of compliance and efficacy of integrated management of whole process in the choice of percutaneous full-endoscopic surgery for patients with cervical disc herniation

BackgroundPercutaneous spinal endoscopy is a new type of surgery for the treatment of cervical disc herniation. It can avoid the complications of the classic anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) approach and the risk of adjacent spondylosis. How can we effectively improve patients’ awareness of spinal endoscopy and their election of endoscopic techniques?ObjectiveTo analyze the compliance and clinical effect of the integrated management of the whole process in the choice of percutaneous full-endoscopic surgery for patients with cervical disc herniation.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 72 patients with cervical disc herniation undergoing surgery in our hospital from August 2015–August 2017 was performed. The whole-process integrated management model was used for all the patients. The 36 patients in the experimental group were treated by percutaneous full-endoscopic cervical discectomy, and the 36 patients in the control group were treated by ACDF. The postoperative feeding time, time to get out of bed, length of hospital stay, compliance, clinical efficacy, and recurrence rate of neck pain were observed. Changes between the preoperative and postoperative pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores and neurological function Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were assessed.ResultsThe postoperative feeding time in the experimental group was 8.319 ± 1.374 h, the postoperative time to get out of bed was 16.64 ± 3.728 h, and the hospitalization time was 6.403 ± 0.735 days. The excellent and good clinical efficacy rate was 91.67%, the compliance rate was 88.89%, and the neck pain recurrence rate was 5.56%. The postoperative feeding time in the control group was 26.56 ± 9.512 h, the postoperative time to get out of bed was 45.06 ± 9.027 h, and the length of hospital stay was 8.208 ± 0.865 days. The excellent and good clinical efficacy rate was 88.89%, the compliance rate was 69.4%, and the neck pain recurrence rate was 8.33%. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the excellent efficacy rate and the neck pain recurrence rate, p > 0.05. The compliance rate in the experimental group was better than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant, p < 0.05. The hospitalization time of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant, p < 0.05. The postoperative VAS scores and JOA scores of the two groups were significantly better than the preoperative scores, and the difference was statistically significant, p < 0.05; there was no significant difference between the two groups, p > 0.05.ConclusionThe integrated management of the whole course can effectively improve the compliance of patients with cervical disc herniation receiving endoscopic treatment, yield the same treatment effect as the classic operation, shorten the hospitalization time, speed up the turnover of hospital beds, and improve satisfaction with medical quality and is worthy of clinical application.

Deep learning-based lumbosacral reconstruction for difficulty prediction of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy at L5/S1 level: A retrospective cohort study.

Deep learning has been validated as a promising technique for automatic segmentation and rapid three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of lumbosacral structures on CT. Simulated foraminoplasty of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) through the Kambin triangle may benefit viability assessment of PETD at L5/S1 level. Medical records and radiographic data of patients with L5/S1 lumbar disc herniation (LDH) who received a single-level PETD from March 2013 to February 2018 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Deep learning was adopted to achieve semantic segmentation of lumbosacral structures (nerve, bone, disc) on CT, and the segmented masks on reconstructed 3D models. Two observers measured the area of the Kambin triangle on 6 selected deep learning-derived 3D (DL-3D) models and ground truth-derived 3D (GT-3D) models, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess the test-retest and interobserver reliability. Foraminoplasty of PETD was simulated on L5/S1 lumbosacral 3D models. Patients with extended foraminoplasty or stuck canula occurs on simulations were predicted as PETD-difficult cases (Group A). The remaining patients were regarded as PETD-normal cases (Group B). Clinical information and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Deep learning-derived 3D models of lumbosacral structures (nerves, bones, and disc) from thin-layer CT were reliable. The area of the Kambin triangle was 161.27±40.10mm2 on DL-3D models and 153.57±32.37mm2 on GT-3D models (p=0.206). Reliability test revealed strong test-retest reliability (ICC between 0.947 and 0.971) and interobserver reliability of multiple measurements (ICC between 0.866 and 0.961). The average operation time was 99.62±17.39min in Group A and 88.93±21.87min in Group B (P=0.025). No significant differences in patient-reported outcomes or complications were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). Deep learning achieved accurate and rapid segmentations of lumbosacral structures on CT, and deep learning-based 3D reconstructions were efficacious and reliable. Foraminoplasty simulation with deep learning-based lumbosacral reconstructions may benefit surgical difficulty prediction of PETD at L5/S1 level.

The Evolution of Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Transforaminal endoscopic spine surgery (T-ESS) has become a well-accepted technique. The first attempts at percutaneous discectomy by Kambin and Hijikata opened a new chapter of endoscopic spine surgery. By the last quarter of the twentieth century, spine surgeons had begun to adopt this novel technique. Many researchers helped advance endoscopic spine surgery, but the turning point was the description of a safe transforaminal triangle of safety by Parviz Kambin. Since then, the indications for T-ESS have increased as a result of the description of different surgical approaches such as inside-out, outside-in, and half-and-half. We present a review of crucial historical advancements in T-ESS and also discuss the evolution of endoscopes, the techniques used, development of endoscopic instruments and equipment, transforaminal thoracic endoscopy, transforaminal endoscopic interbody fusions, the growth of extended indications, and the future direction of T-ESS. This review provides a detailed description of key historical moments and a bird's-eye view of the vast scope of T-ESS.

The protection of superior articular process in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy should decreases the risk of adjacent segment diseases biomechanically

PurposeFacetectomy is a useful procedure in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) for the enlargement of surgical field and operative space and for the decompression of existing nerve roots for patients who suffer foraminal stenosis. Biomechanical deterioration can initially trigger the adjacent segment disease (ASD), and our previous literature proved that a large grade of facetectomy can increase the risk of biomechanical deterioration and resulting low back pain. However, no study has discussed whether different grades of facetectomy influence the risk of ASD. MethodsA validated osteoligamentous lumbosacral finite element model and corresponding PTED models with quarter and half facetectomy were constructed in our previous study. Biomechanical indicators were computed and recorded to evaluate the risk of ASD. ResultsObvious differences between the intact model and the quarter facetectomy model had no basis. Nevertheless, in most body positions, most of the above indicators deteriorated in the half facetectomy model. ConclusionOn the basis of achieving the surgical purpose in PTED, the superior articular process should be protected to decrease the risk of ASD biomechanically.

Diagnosis and surgical outcome of upper lumbar herniated intervertebral disc: 47 cases from a review of 7,491 patients

Background: Upper lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD) is clinically different from the lesion at the lower lumbar spine. Clinical symptoms in previous reports are more unspecific. Precise diagnosis and good surgical outcomes are difficult. Purpose: We aimed to investigate the clinical presentations and prognosis of upper lumbar HIVD. Methods: Data of 47 patients who were diagnosed with upper lumbar disc herniation underwent surgery from January 2000 to June 2017 in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. The lesion was at the L1-L2 level in 8 patients and L2-L3 level in 38 patients. One patient had HIVD at both levels. Clinical symptoms, patient characteristics, surgical methods, and prognosis were reviewed. Results: A total of 47 patients were followed up for a mean period of 39.3 months. The average age was 56.4 years. The major symptom in upper lumbar disc herniation was lower back and buttock pain, recorded in 30 and 5 patients, respectively. Thirty-one patients (76.6%) had pain or numbness in the anterior thigh, lateral hip, or inguinal region, which is compatible with the upper lumbar dermatome. Thirty-three patients underwent discectomy with decompression, and 11 underwent posterior instrumentation with interbody fusion. Three patients underwent nerve block as treatment. Of the patients, 76.6% had a satisfactory outcome with no major complications noted. Conclusion: The clinical presentations of upper lumbar disc herniation were usually compatible with upper lumbar level pathology. Based on history taking, physical examination, and image study, an accurate diagnosis can be achieved. Most patients had a satisfactory surgical outcome.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy via Eccentric Trepan foraminoplasty Technology for Unilateral Stenosed Serve Root Canals.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous lumbar foraminoplasty for unilateral stenosed nerve root canals.MethodsThe article is a retrospective analysis. From May 2016 to April 2017, 32 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis syndrome (unilateral stenosed nerve root canals) were treated with percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy (PETLD). The study included 15 men and 17 women, with an average age of 53.8 ± 15.4 years, ranging from 24 to 78 years. The indexes used for preoperative and postoperative 1 day, 3 months, and final follow up were the visual analogue scale (VAS) for lumbar and leg, the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the modified Macnab criteria. All patients were followed up for an average 6 months after the operation.ResultsThe average operative time was 75.82 ± 10.58 min, the average blood loss was 15.83 ± 3.75 mL, and the average hospital stay after surgery was 6.2 ± 4.6 days. The VAS score (leg) decreased from 6.94 ± 0.50 preoperatively to 1.16 ± 0.45 at the final follow up (P < 0.05) and ODI were obviously improved, from preoperative evaluation of 80.19 ± 5.55 to 9.44 ± 1.16 at the final follow up (P < 0.05). However, the postoperative VAS score (lumbar) did not show an improvement, reducing from 1.78 ± 0.49 preoperatively to 1.62 ± 0.55 at the final follow‐up (P > 0.05). According to the modified Macnab criteria, the outcome showed that the excellent and good rate was 90.6%. There were three patients with hip soreness, and nerve root symptoms were relieved.ConclusionPercutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy has a satisfactory clinical effect in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis syndrome, especially for unilateral stenosed nerve root canals, and in decompressing the lateral recess and relieving the nerve root symptoms.