Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy Research Articles

Potential Application of MR-MR-US Fusion Imaging Navigation with Needle Tail Intelligent Positioning in Guiding Puncture in Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy.

This study sought to investigate the feasibility of using magnetic resonance-magnetic resonance-ultrasound (MR-MR-US) fusion imaging navigation (FIN) with needle tail intelligent positioning (NTIP) to guide puncture in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED). First, in a pig experiment, we found that puncture errors in lumbar intervertebral foramen (LIF) puncture using magnetic resonance-magnetic resonance-ultrasound (MR-MR-US) FIN with NTIP for experienced and novice operators were 2.00 ± 1.00 and 2.57 ± 0.98 mm, respectively (p=0.231), suggesting this technique was minimally dependent on experience. Then, two experienced surgeons agreed (inter-observer agreement к=0.801) that the quality of MR-MR fusion images was good or sufficient. Finally, we performed PTED in eight patients using MR-MR-US FIN with NTIP, and no significant complications were reported during LIF puncture. Overall, MR-MR-US FIN with NTIP may be a potential application for guiding puncture in PTED, but more clinical studies with a larger sample size are required to further evaluate the advantages of MR-MR-US FIN with NTIP.

Complications and risk factors of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis

BackgroundWith the advancements in surgical methods, optical designs, and surgical instruments, percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) has become an effective and minimally invasive procedure to treat lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) in recent years. Few studies have focused on the complications associated with the treatment of LSS using percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). This study aimed to summarize the complications of PETD and identify the associated risk factors.MethodsComplications in a total of 738 consecutive LSS patients who underwent single-level PETD were retrospectively recorded and analyzed between January 2016 and July 2020. In addition, a matched case-control study was designed, and according to the date of operation, the control group was matched with patients without complications, with a matching ratio of 1:3. Demographic parameters included age, sex, BMI, smoking and drinking status, comorbidity, and surgical level. The radiological parameters included grade of surgical-level disc degeneration, number of degenerative lumbar discs, grade of lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, lumbar lordosis, disc angle, and disc height index. Univariate analysis was performed using independent samples t-test and chi-squared test.ResultsThe incidence of different types of complications was 9.76% (72/738). The complications and occurrence rates were as follows: recurrence of LSS (rLSS), 2.30% (17/738); persistent lumbosacral or lower extremity pain, 3.79% (28/738); dural tear, 1.90% (14/738); incomplete decompression, 0.81% (6/738); surgical site infection, 0.41% (3/738); epidural hematoma, 0.27% (2/738); and intraoperative posterior neck pain, 0.27% (2/738). Univariate analysis demonstrated that age, the grade of surgical-level disc degeneration (P < 0.001) and the number of disc degeneration levels (P = 0.004) were significantly related to the complications.ConclusionComplications in the treatment of LSS using PELD included rLSS, persistent pain of the lumbosacral or lower extremity, dural tear, incomplete decompression, surgical site infection, epidural hematoma, and intraoperative posterior neck pain. In addition, old age, severe grade of surgical-level disc degeneration and more disc degeneration levels significantly increased the incidence of complications.

Comparison of microendoscopic discectomy and percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for upper lumbar disc herniation: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Microendoscopic discectomy (MED) and percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED), as two alternative surgical techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), are widely conducted in the treatment of upper lumbar disc herniation (ULDH). This study will systematically assess and compare the clinical outcomes of MED and PTED in treating ULDH combining with the meta-analysis.Methods:All the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be searched at the databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and WANFANG Database from inception to December 2025. The primary outcome will involve Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. The secondary outcomes will be the short-form 36-item (SF-36) health survey questionnaire and the modified MacNab criterion. We will perform data synthesis, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression analysis, and the assessment of reporting bias using RevMan 5.3 software.Results:This systematic review will comprehensively evaluate the clinical outcomes of comparison of MED and PTED in the treatment of ULDH and provide a reliable and high-quality evidence.Conclusion:The conclusion of this study will elucidate the clinical outcomes of MED compared with PTED and clarify whether PTED generates better clinical effects than MED in treating ULDH.PROSPERO registration number:CRD 42021244204

Efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy unilateral and bilateral approach for bilateral decompression in treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and their effects on quality of life

This study aimed to explore the efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) unilateral and bilateral approach for bilateral decompression in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) and their effects on quality of life. Altogether 119 patients with DLSS admitted to our hospital from May 2012 to February 2014 were enrolled in this study. Patients in Group A (62 cases) were treated with PTED bilateral approach for bilateral decompression, while those in Group B (57 cases) were treated with PTED unilateral approach for bilateral decompression. The therapeutic effect and incidence of complications in the two groups were observed. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain degree of the lower limbs. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess the improvement of neurological function. 36-ltem Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) developed by the Institute of Medicine was used to assess the quality of life. There were no significant differences between Group A and Group B in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, the effective rate of treatment, and the incidence of complications (P&gt;0.05). The recovery time of lumbar function in Group A was significantly shorter than that in Group B (P&lt;0.01). VAS and ODI scores at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation in Group A were significantly lower than those in Group B (P&lt;0.05). The scores of general health (GH), bodily pain (BP), social function (SF), vitality (VT), and mental health (MH) at 6 months after operation in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, PTED bilateral approach for bilateral decompression was effective in the treatment of patients with DLSS. It can promote the recovery of their lumbar function and neurological function, and improve their quality of life.

Multi-Modality guidance based surgical navigation for percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy

ObjectiveFluoroscopic guidance is a critical step for the puncture procedure in percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD). However, two-dimensional observations of the three-dimensional anatomic structure suffer from the effects of projective simplification. To accurately assess the spatial relations between the patient vertebra tissues and puncture needle, a considerable number of fluoroscopic images from different orientations need to be acquired by the surgeons. This process significantly increases the radiation risk for both the patient and surgeons. MethodsIn this paper, we propose an augmented reality (AR) surgical navigation system for PETD based on multi-modality information, which contains fluoroscopy, optical tracking, and depth camera. To register the fluoroscopic image with the intraoperative video, we design a lightweight non-invasive fiducial with markers and detect the markers based on the deep learning method. It can display the intraoperative video fused with the registered fluoroscopic images. We also present a self-adaptive calibration and transformation method between a 6-DOF optical tracking device and a depth camera, which are in different coordinate systems. ResultsWith the substantially reduced frequency of fluoroscopy imaging, the system can accurately track and superimpose the virtual puncture needle on fluoroscopy images in real-time. From operating theatre in vivo animal experiments, the results illustrate that the system average positioning accuracy can reach 1.98mm and the orientation accuracy can reach 1.19∘. From the clinical validation results, the system significantly lower the frequency of fluoroscopy imaging (42.7%) and reduce the radiation risk for both the patient and surgeons. ConclusionCoupled with the user study, both the quantitative and qualitative results indicate that our navigation system has the potential to be highly useful in clinical practice. Compared with the existing navigation systems, which are usually equipped with a variety of large and high-cost medical equipments, such as O-arm, cone-beam CT, and robots, our navigation system does not need special equipment and can be implemented with common equipment in the operating room, such as C-arm, desktop, etc., even in small hospitals.

Comment on "Efficacy and safety of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis combined with osteoporosis".

Comment on "Efficacy and safety of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis combined with osteoporosis".

Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for different types of lumbar disc herniation: A retrospective study.

ObjectiveTo introduce the concept of ‘nerve root as the core’ and to investigate the surgical procedure and curative effect of percutaneous translaminar endoscopic discectomy (PTED) surgery in the treatment of different types of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).MethodsThis retrospective study analysed the clinical data from patients with LDH that underwent single-segment PTED surgery. They were divided into three groups based on LDH location: central canal zone group, lateral recess zone group and foraminal/far lateral zone group. Different working cannula placement methods were used for the different types of LDH. All patients were followed for at least 12 months. Clinical and follow-up data were compared between the three groups.ResultsA total of 130 patients were enrolled in the study: 44 (33.8%) in the central canal zone group, 72 (55.4%) in the lateral recess zone group and 14 (10.8%) in the foraminal/far lateral zone group. All three groups of patients achieved good postoperative results. The improvements in leg pain and disability were most marked in the first postoperative month in all three groups.ConclusionPTED achieved adequate decompression for different types of LDH. The concept of ‘nerve root as the core’ facilitated the accurate placement of the working cannula.

Original Designed Uniportal-Bichannel Spinal Endoscopic System (UBiSES) for Foraminoplasty in Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy.

ObjectiveThe study introduced uniportal‐bichannel spinal endoscopic system (UBiSES) and explored the feasibility of applying UBiSES to conduct lumbar foraminoplasty in percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD).MethodsThis is a cohort study. 36 patients confirmed as L5/S1 lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in our hospital from March, 2019 to November, 2019 were enrolled. 36 patients were divided into two groups named the UBiSES group (n = 18, male: female = 8:10) and the TESSYS group (n = 18, male: female = 10:8). The average age of the UBiSES group and the TESSYS group were 40.94 ± 12.39 years old and 39.78 ± 13.02 years old respectively. PETD via uniportal‐bichannel foraminoplasty assisted by UBiSES was adopted on the UBiSES group while PETD via conventional foraminoplasty was performed on the TESSYS group. One experienced surgeon with more than 4000 cases of lumbar surgery performed PETD on all patients. The demographic data, the duration of working cannula placement (minutes), decompression time (minutes), radiation exposure time (seconds), complications, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores and modified MacNab criteria were recorded and analyzed. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were conducted to evaluate the radiographic improvement.ResultsPETD via lumbar foraminoplasty was successfully performed in all cases. The follow‐up points were 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The average follow‐up period of all patients was 15.78 ± 2.29 months. There was no statistic difference in age (P = 0.81), sex (P = 0.51) and follow‐up (P = 0.14) between two groups. The duration of working cannula placement was 19.08 ± 2.30 min in the UBiSES group and 24.90 ± 4.71 min in the TESSYS group and there was significant difference between two groups (P < 0.05). There was no statistic difference in decompression time between the UBiSES group (44.18 ± 5.70 min) and the TESSYS group (47.46 ± 5.96 min) (P = 1.70). The radiation exposure time was 28.00 ± 4.70 s in the UBiSES group and 40.50 ± 5.73 s in the TESSYS group respectively, and has significant difference between two groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was significant different in the duration of working cannula placement and radiation exposure time in male or female between the UBiSES group and the TESSYS group (P < 0.05). For male or female, no difference observed in decompression time and follow‐up period between two groups. Postoperative VAS of low back and leg at every follow‐up point (1 day, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months) was improved significantly in both groups compared with their preoperative VAS (P < 0.05). The postoperative ODI (3 months, 6 months, 12 months) has decreased significantly in both the UBiSES group and the TESSYS group compared with their preoperative ODI (P < 0.05). 94.44% patients received an excellent or good recovery in the UBiSES group and 88.89% for the TESSYS group. There was no poor result reported in both groups. The radiographic images showed satisfactory foraminoplasty and sufficient decompression of nerve in both groups. No postoperative complications were observed during follow‐ups in the UBiSES group. Two patients in the TESSYS group experienced postoperative dysesthesia and the symptom was disappeared in 5 days and 7 days respectively with dexamethasone and neurotrophic drugs treatment.ConclusionsThe original designed UBiSES could effectively and safely enlarge the foramen with an extensive surgical view and space under full‐time and real‐time visualization and get satisfactory efficacy.

Implementation of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy in Competitive Elite Athletes With Lumbar Disc Herniation: Original Study and Review of the Literature

Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) represents a frequent clinical entity in athletes. Surgical treatment of LDH with endoscopic spine surgical techniques has been proposed as a feasible alternative in these patients. Purpose: To study the particular outcomes of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) in competitive elite athletes with surgically treatable LDH. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 55 competitive elite athletes with diagnosed LDH based on clinical and radiologic criteria were enrolled in this prospectively designed study. All patients underwent successful PTED. Clinical evaluation was conducted with the well-established visual analog scale for lower limb and low back pain separately. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was implemented for health-related quality of life analysis. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at regular postoperative intervals: 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months, as well as 2 years. Results: Operated levels were L3-L4 (5.5%), L4-L5 (69.1%), and L5-S1 (25.4%). No major perioperative complications were observed. All patients successfully reached the end of follow-up at 2 years. Both visual analog scale scores (lower limb and low back pain) showed clinically and statistically significant improvement at 6 weeks postoperatively, with subsequent minor improvement and stabilization. All recorded SF-36 parameters demonstrated major clinical amelioration at 6 weeks, with subsequent minor but constant statistically significant improvement until the end of follow-up. Comparative evaluation of the SF-36 revealed that the physical function, bodily pain, role-emotional, and mental health parameters showed quantitatively greater improvement in comparison with rest indices. Conclusion: PTED constitutes a feasible and effective technique for surgical management of LDH in athletes, providing favorable outcomes in terms of postoperative pain and health-related quality of life. Proper performance of technique for specific cases of L5-S1 LDH may be more challenging, and these cases should be evaluated selectively for suitability for this procedure.

Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy in Adolescents

Abstract Background: Lumbar disc herniation in adolescents is relatively rare but poses a serious problem to the patient and the parents. Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PTELD) has several advantages over conventional surgeries because it decreases perioperative complications and increases favorable clinical outcomes. Aim of Study: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PTELD in adolescent patients. Patients and Methods: Adolecence is defined as any person whose age is between 10 and 19 years. This was a retrospective study which included 14 patients aged between 15 and 19 years treated by PTELD for low back pain and sciatica. Clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and follow-up at 2 weeks, 1, 2, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Final results were assessed using the modified MacNab score. All surgeries were done by the same surgeon. Results: Overall there was improvement of clinical and functional outcomes during the postoperative follow-up eval-uation. There were no immediate perioperative complications, such as infection, nerve injury or dural tears but only two patients developed dysathesia and were treated medically. There was no recurrence of herniations as the patients followed a strict postoperative rehabilitation program. Conclusion: PTELD is a minimally invasive technique which is effective and safe for adolescent patients. PTELD decreases the post-operative morbidity and permits faster mobility and rehabilitation.

Comparison of Endoscopic Discectomy Versus Non-Endoscopic Discectomy for Symptomatic Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Study Design:Systematic review.Objective:The authors aimed to systematically compare the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic discectomy (ED) with non-endoscopic discectomy (NED) for treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Methods:A systematic search was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for randomized controlled trial from inception until August 13, 2020. Trials which investigated multiple operative approaches on lumbar disc herniation were identified without language restrictions.Results:In total, 25 trials involving 2258 patients with symptomatic LDH were included. Twenty trials performed the comparison between ED and NED. Five trials performed the comparison between percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) and percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID). The operative time of micro-endoscopic discectomy (MED) was longer than open discectomy (OD). The length of hospital stay of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) was shorter than fenestration discectomy (FD). Significant differences in intraoperative blood loss volumes were found between PELD with FD and MED with OD. The complication rate of PELD was lower than FD (PELD: 4.3%; FD: 14.6%) and the complication rate of full-endoscopic discectomy (FE) was lower than microscopic discectomy (MD) (FE: 13.4%; MD: 32.1%).Conclusions:PELD and FE have the advantage of limiting intraoperative damages. ED and NED can be both considered sufficient to achieve good clinical outcomes. PETD and PEID are able to achieve similar results but the learning curve of PETD was steeper. More independent high-quality RCTs with sufficiently large sample sizes performing cost-effectiveness analyzes are needed.

178. Full endoscopic vs open discectomy for sciatica: a randomized controlled trial

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Open microdiscectomy (OM) is the standard procedure for the treatment of sciatica caused by a lumbar disc herniation. Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) is an alternative procedure which is performed under conscious sedation. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> To determine if PTED is noninferior to OM in leg pain reduction, among patients with sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation. Furthermore, an economic evaluation was conducted. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Randomized controlled trial. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> PTED (n=304) or OM (n=309). <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> The primary outcome was self-reported leg pain measured by a 0-100 visual analog scale (VAS), assuming a noninferiority margin of 5. Secondary outcomes included self-reported functional status, back pain, health-related quality of life and self-perceived recovery. Costs were measured from a societal perspective. Outcomes were measured until one year following surgery and were longitudinally analyzed. <h3>METHODS</h3> A 12-month, pragmatic, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial in which 613 patients were randomized at four clinics in the Netherlands, from February 2016 to April 2019. Patients were aged from 18 to 70 years and had at least 6 weeks of radiating leg pain caused by lumbar disc herniation. The trial included a predetermined set of 125 PTED patients who were the early cases performed by surgeons who did not perform PTED before the trial. <h3>RESULTS</h3> At 12 months, the mean (SD) VAS score for leg pain was statically significantly lower among patients who underwent 67.3 (21.7) PTED than for 69.9 (20.6) OM (adjusted between-group difference of 7.4, 95% confidence interval 3.5 to 12.0). The blood loss was smaller, mean length of hospitalization was shorter, and timing mobilization was shorter in the PTED-group. Within one year, 5.3% in the PTED group compared to 5.6% in the OM group, underwent repeated surgery. Secondary patient-reported outcomes were similarly in favor of PTED. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves indicated that the probability of PTED being cost-effective compared with OM was almost 1.0 for both outcomes, regardless of the willingness-to-pay. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Results of the current study show that PTED is noninferior to OM in leg pain reduction. PTED resulted in more favorable results for patient self-reported leg pain, back pain, functional status, quality of life and recovery. Furthermore, results suggest that PTED is cost-effective compared with OM for patients with lumbar disc herniation from the societal perspective. Even though these differences are small and may not reach clinical relevance, PTED should be considered as an effective alternative to OM in treating sciatica. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Efficacy of a virtual reality-based basic and clinical fused curriculum for clinical education on the lumbar intervertebral disc.

Today, minimally invasive procedures have become mainstream surgical procedures. Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) requires profound knowledge of the laparoscopic lumbar anatomy. Immersive virtual reality (VR) provides three-dimensional patient-specific models to help in the process of preclinical surgical preparation. In this study, the authors investigated the efficacy of VR application in LDH for training orthopedic residents and postgraduates. VR images of the lumbar anatomy were created with immersive VR and mAnatomy software. The study was conducted among 60 residents and postgraduates. A questionnaire was developed to assess the effect of and satisfaction with this VR-based basic and clinical fused curriculum. The teaching effect was also evaluated through a postlecture test, and the results of the prelecture surgical examination were taken as baselines. All participants in the VR group agreed that VR-based education is practical, attractive, and easy to operate, compared to traditional teaching, and promotes better understanding of the anatomical structures involved in LDH. Learners in the VR group achieved higher scores on an anatomical and clinical fusion test than learners in the traditional group (84.67 ± 14.56 vs 76.00 ± 16.10, p < 0.05). An immersive VR-based basic and clinical fused curriculum can increase residents' and postgraduates' interest and support them in mastering the structural changes and complicated symptoms of LDH. However, a simplified operational process and more realistic haptics of the VR system are necessary for further surgical preparation and application.

Comparison of the clinical efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy and traditional laminectomy in the treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation.

A few years ago, percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) began to prevail in clinical treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH), whereas traditional laminectomy (TL) was treated earlier in RLDH than PTED. This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of PTED and TL in the treatment of RLDH.Between November 2012 and October 2017, retrospective analysis of 48 patients with RLDH who were treated at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei and Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Perioperative evaluation indicators included operation time, the intraoperative blood loss, length of incision and hospitalization time. Clinical outcomes were measured preoperatively, and at 1 days, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively. The patients’ lower limb pain was evaluated using Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. The ODI is the most widely-used assessment method internationally for lumbar or leg pain at present. Every category comprises 6 options, with the highest score for each question being 5 points. higher scores represent more serious dysfunction. The VAS is the most commonly-used quantitative method for assessing the degree of pain in clinical practice. The measurement method is to draw a 10 cm horizontal line on a piece of paper, 1 end of which is 0, indicating no pain, which the other end is 10, which means severe pain, and the middle part indicates different degree of pain.Compared with the TL group, the operation time, postoperative bed-rest time, and hospitalization time of the PTED group were significantly shorter, and the intraoperative blood loss was also reduced. These differences were statistically significant (P < .01). There were no significant differences in VAS or ODI scores between the two groups before or after surgery (P > .05).PTED and TL have similar clinical efficacy in the treatment of RLDH, but PTED can shorten the operation time, postoperative bed-rest time and hospitalization time, and reduce intraoperative blood loss, so the PTED is a safe and effective surgical method for the treatment of RLDH than TL, but more randomized controlled trials are still required to further verify these conclusions.

Clinical outcomes for patients with lateral lumbar radiculopathy treated by percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy versus tubular microdiscectomy: A retrospective review

BackgroundSurgical management of lateral lumbar radiculopathy is evolving. TMD (Tubular microdiscectomy) and TELD (Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy) have emerged as viable MIS treatments. We aim to compare clinical outcomes of both techniques for the treatment of lateral lumbar radiculopathy in relation to pre-operative lumbar foraminal stenosis grade (LFS). MethodsRetrospective observational cohort study of patients with back and leg pain from single level foraminal nerve root compression that underwent TMD or TELD. Data analyzed included pre- and post-operative VAS leg and back pain, MacNab clinical outcome scores, hospital length of stay, complication rates, and operative time. Outcomes were correlated with a pre-operative MRI grading system for LFS. Results109 patients were enrolled (71 TELD and 38 TMD). Back and leg VAS pain scores improved in TELD and TMD (p < 0.0001). Patients with grade III stenosis showed significantly higher VAS scores (p < 0.01), and worse functional outcomes at latest follow-up compared with grade I/II LFS. Overall, there was no difference in outcome between procedure groups except that TMD VAS back pain scores were lower than TELD at last follow up (p < 0.05). Clinical outcome comparisons between procedures relating to LFS grade showed higher correlation of LFS to TELD (Spearman’s rho (ρ)= 0.342 for TMD and 0.606 TELD). Regression analyses demonstrated correlation between higher-grade foraminal stenosis and poorer outcomes in TELD and TMD. ConclusionsBoth TELD and TMD are viable for treating lateral lumbar radiculopathy. Higher-grade foraminal stenosis can be indicative of poorer outcomes regardless of procedure type, however, the severity of pre-operative LFS correlates with clinical outcomes in TELD more significantly than TMD.

Targeted one channel percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for the treatment of adjacent segment degeneration after spinal fusion surgery in young patients

To compare clinical efficacy between targeted one-channel percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (TO-PTED) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in treatment of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after spinal fusion surgery in young patients. The clinical data of 64 patients with adjacent segment degeneration after spinal fusion fusion surgery from September 2017 to February 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 30 patients were treated with TO-PTED (TO-PTED group), there were 19 males and 11 females, aged from 23 to 34 years, with a mean of(31.20±1.67) years;the course of disease was from 10 to 39 months, with a mean of (26.30±0.41) months. And other 34 patients were treated with TILF(TILF group), there were 21 males and 13 females, aged from 22 to 34 years, with a mean of (31.10±1.74) years;the course of disease was from 11 to 40 months, with a mean of (27.10±0.32) months. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, X-ray fluoroscopy times were compared between two groups. Visual analogue scale(VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) scores were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy between two groups before operation, 1 month after operation and at the final follow-up. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, X-ray fluoroscopy times were (76.30±5.08) min, (38.80±4.21) ml, (3.90±1.13) d, (8.80±2.53) times in TO-PTED group, and (118.50±11.06) min, (162.71±19.31)ml, (7.30±1.42)d, (4.10±0.82) times in TLIF group, respectively, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. All patients were followed up from 12 to 24 months, with a mean of (18.00±5.63) months. VAS and JOA scores at 1 month after surgery and at final follow-up were obviously improved, and TO-PTED group was superior than TLIF group. Both TO-PTED and TLIF can achieve good results in the treatment of adjacent segment degeneration after spinal fusion surgery in young patients. TO-PTED has advantages in reducing operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative recovery time, but it will increase the number of patients receiving intraoperative radiation.

Enhanced recovery after surgery pathway reduces the length of hospital stay without additional complications in lumbar disc herniation treated by percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy

BackgroundEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway in spine surgery is increasingly popular which can reduce the length of hospital stay (LOS). However, there are few studies on the safety and effectiveness of ERAS pathway in the treatment of single-level lumbar disc herniation (LDH) by percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD). The aim of this study was to investigate whether ERAS can reduce LOS of patients with single segment LDH treated by PETD.MethodsWe reviewed the outcomes of all LDH patients (L4/5) who had been treated with PETD at our institution. Quasi-experimental study was adopted between patients treated in an ERAS after PETD with those rehabilitated on a traditional pathway. The two groups were analyzed for LOS, operation time, complications, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Dysfunction Index (ODI), hospitalization expenses (HE), and improved MacNab efficacy assessment criteria (MacNab).ResultsA total of 120 single segment LDH patients (ERAS pathway 60 cases, traditional care pathway 60 cases) who were selected from January 2019 to January 2021 met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant difference in mean LOS postoperative VAS scores and ODI on the 3rd day after surgery between the two groups (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications and HE were similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean LOS decreased from 3.47 ± 1.14 days to 5.65 ± 1.39 days after application of ERAS pathway (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe ERAS pathway reduced LOS without resulting in additional complications after PETD. These findings support the application of the perioperative ERAS pathway in the treatment of single-level LDH with PETD.Level of evidenceLevel IV, therapeutic

Nomograms for Predicting Recurrent Herniation in PETD with Preoperative Radiological Factors.

PurposeTo investigate the preoperative radiological risk factors for recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH) within 1 year after percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD).Patients and MethodsA retrospective case–control study was conducted. Between January 2013 and November 2019, a total of 1210 patients with single-level L4/5 LDH who underwent PETD were enrolled in the present study. In total, 62 rLDH patients were diagnosed and collected based on the clinical and radiological manifestations, and 224 non-rLDH controls were selected from the remaining 1148 patients. Preoperative radiological parameters were collected and measured. An age threshold to distinguish patients into subgroups was established using the Youden index. The relationships between the risk factors and rLDH were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses in two subgroups. Predictive models were established based on logistic analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the predictive models.ResultsIn the present study, logistic analysis identified six significant predictors associated with rLDH in the young group: superior endplate concave angle (ECA), sacral slope, Modic changes, sagittal range of motion (sROM), extension intervertebral angle (IVA), and lumbar lordosis. Four significant predictors were identified in the elderly group: disc height index (DHI), retrolisthesis (posterior spondylolisthesis), sROM, and extension IVA. Validation of both models demonstrated excellent model discrimination (AUC= 0.940 and 0.946, respectively). DCA also showed excellent clinical utility and benefits.ConclusionThe nomograms that we constructed could accurately predict individual patient recurrence risk. Individualized measures should be taken for patients of different ages with the above risk factors, and tailored postoperative surveillance of patients who underwent PETD can be planned.

Application of a targeted and quantificational foraminoplasty device in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for L5\u2013S1 disc herniation: preliminary clinical outcomes

ObjectivePercutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) is minimally invasive and has been widely used to treat patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) due to its safety and efficiency. However, due to the unique anatomy of the L5–S1 level, the PTED procedure is often difficult to perform in the region. ZESSYS, a targeted and quantificational foraminoplasty device, may help to overcome these anatomical limitations. In this study, we assessed the efficiency and the short-term effects of PTED with ZESSYS at the L5–S1 level.MethodsBetween January and August of 2018, fifty-six patients with lumbar disc herniation at the single level of L5–S1 and who underwent percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. They were segregated into the transforaminal endoscopic surgical system (TESSYS) group and the ZESSYS group. The puncture time, foraminoplasty time, decompression time, and fluoroscopy time were evaluated for operation efficiency. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. The MacNab criteria were used to evaluate patient subjective satisfaction at 12-month follow-up postoperatively.ResultsThe average puncture time (5.29 ± 2.05 min), foraminoplasty time (12.82 ± 2.52 min), and fluoroscopy time (26.29 ± 5.96 s) were all significantly shorter in the ZESSYS group than in the TESSYS group (average puncture time 8.07 ± 3.13 min, p < 0.01; foraminoplasty time, 17.18 ± 2.92 min, p < 0.01; fluoroscopy time, 34.73 ± 6.86 s; p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in the decompression time (p = 0.057). The VAS score of low back pain and leg pain, as well as the ODI score, improved at all time points postoperatively compared with preoperative, in both the TESSYS group and the ZESSYS group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the VAS score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, and ODI score between the TESSYS group and the ZESSYS group at the same time points (P > 0.05). According to the MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rate at 12-month follow-up postoperatively was 85.7% in the TESSYS group and 89.3% in the ZESSYS group (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe targeted and quantificational foraminoplasty device named ZESSYS was more efficient in the puncture and foraminoplasty procedures, effectively protecting the exiting nerve and minimizing the level of radiation exposure. The device is efficient and safe for PTED in treating lumbar disc herniation at the L5–S1 level.

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.