Symptomatic Foraminal Stenosis Research Articles

Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Foraminotomy for Juxta-Fusional Foraminal Stenosis.

Adjacent segment foraminal stenosis is a significant adverse event of lumbar fusion. Conventional revision surgery with an extended fusion segment may result in considerable surgical morbidity owing to extensive tissue injury. Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy (TELF) is a minimally invasive surgical approach for symptomatic foraminal stenosis. This study aimed to demonstrate the surgical technique and clinical outcomes of TELF for the treatment of juxta-fusional foraminal stenosis. Full-scale foraminal decompression was performed via a transforaminal endoscopic approach under local anesthesia. A total of 22 consecutive patients who had undergone TELF were evaluated. The included patients had unilateral foraminal stenosis at the juxta-fusional level of the previous fusion surgery, intractable lumbar radicular pain despite at least six months of non-operative treatment, and verified pain focus by imaging and selective nerve root block. The visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores significantly improved after the two-year follow-up period. The modified MacNab criteria were excellent in six patients (27.27%), good in 12 (55.55%), fair in two (9.09%), and poor in two (9.09%), with a 90.91% symptomatic improvement rate. No significant surgical complications were observed. The minimally invasive TELF is effective for juxta-fusional foraminal stenosis.

Analysis of risk factors for contralateral symptomatic foraminal stenosis after unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

To analyze the risk factors of contralateral symptomatic foraminal stenosis (FS) after unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and to guide and standardize the operation process of unilateral TLIF to reduce the occurrence of contralateral symptomatic FS. A retrospective study was undertaken on 487 patients with lumbar degeneration who underwent unilateral TLIF in the Department of Spinal Surgery of Ningbo Sixth Hospital between January 2017 and January 2021, comprising 269 males and 218 females, with a mean age of 57.1years (range, 48-77years). Cases of intraoperative improper operations, such as screw deviation, postoperative hematoma, and contralateral disc herniation, were excluded, and cases of nerve root symptoms caused by contralateral FS were analyzed. Post-surgery, 23 patients with nerve root symptoms caused by contralateral FS were categorized as group A, and 60 patients without nerve root symptoms were randomly selected as group B during the same period. The general data (gender, age, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), and diagnosis) and imaging parameters before and after operation (including contralateral foramen area (CFA), lumbar lordosis angle (LL), segmental lordosis angle (SL), disc height (DH), foramen height (FH), foramen width (FW), fusion cage position, and the difference between postoperative and preoperative) were compared between the two groups. Univariate analysis was performed, and multivariate analysis was undertaken through logistics analysis to determine the independent risk factors. Additionally, the clinical outcomes of the two groups were compared immediately before surgery and one year after surgery, using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for evaluation. The patients in this study were followed up for a period of 19-25 (22.8atien months. Among them, 23 cases (4.72% incidence) were diagnosed with contralaterally symptomatic FS after the surgery. Univariate analysis indicated significant differences between the two groups in CFA, SL, FW, and cage coronal position. Logistic regression analysis identified preoperative contralateral foramen area (OR = 1.176, 95% CI (1.012, 1.367)), small segmental lordosis angle (OR = 2.225, 95% CI (1.124, 4.406)), small intervertebral foramen width (OR = 2.706, 95% CI (1.028, 7.118)), and cage coronal position not crossing the midline (OR = 1.567, 95% CI (1.142, 2.149)) as independent risk factors for contralateral symptomatic FS after unilateral TLIF. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the pain VAS score between the two groups one year after the operation. In contrast, there was a significant difference in the JOA score between the two groups. The identified risk factors for contralateral symptomatic FS after TLIF include preoperative contralateral intervertebral foramen stenosis, a small segmental lordosis angle, a small intervertebral foramen width, and the coronal position of the cage not crossing the midline. For patients with these risk factors, it is recommended to carefully lock the screw rod during the recovery of lumbar lordosis and ensure that the coronal position of the fusion cage is implanted beyond the midline. If necessary, preventive decompression should also be considered. However, this study did not quantify the imaging data for each risk factor, and further research is needed to improve our understanding of the topic.

90. Decision-making factors leading to fusion vs decompression for one-level degenerative spondylolisthesis: survey results from members of the Lumbar Spine Research Society and Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Degenerative spondylolisthesis is one of the most common pathologies spine surgeons treat. While a number of potential factors have been identified, there is no current consensus on which variables most impact the decision to fuse vs decompress alone in this population. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> The aim of this study was to identify radiographic and clinical factors leading to the decision to fuse segments for one-level degenerative spondylolisthesis. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing a survey consisting of questions pertaining to decision-making factors leading to fusion or decompression alone in the setting of degenerative spondylolisthesis. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Radiographic parameters included grade of spondylolisthesis, instability, facet orientation >60°, facet diastasis, laterolisthesis or scoliosis, synovial cysts, vacuum disc, vertical disc space, preserved disc height, concomitant herniated nucleus pulposus, and symptomatic foraminal stenosis. Clinical factors included age >70 years, activity level, patient sex, body mass index >35, osteoporosis, primary complaint of low back pain, primary complaint of neurogenic claudication, smoking, and anxiety/depression. <h3>METHODS</h3> A survey was administered to the Lumbar Spine Research Society and Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. The primary analysis was limited to completed surveys. Baseline characteristics were summarized. Clinical and radiographic parameters were ranked and compared using chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis, or two-sample t-test as appropriate. <h3>RESULTS</h3> A total of 381 (67.9%) surveys were returned completed. Respondents' mean years in practice was 17.8 ± 9.4 years and 296 (77.7%) had undergone a formal spine fellowship. The majority of respondents were from the US (45.9%) followed by Europe (24.1%), and Asia/Pacific (17.1%). The practice setting included academics (32.5%), private practice (31.0%), hospital-employed (17.1%), or a combination (19.4%). The mean number of degenerative spondylolisthesis cases performed was 53.8 ± 46.7 cases per year with 49.9% of the cohort performing these cases utilizing minimally invasive techniques. With regard to fusion vs decompression: 19.9% fuse all cases, 39.1% fuse >75%, 17.8% fuse 50%-75%, and 23.2% fuse <25%. The most common decompressive technique was a partial laminotomy (51.4%), followed by full laminectomy (28.9%). Among respondents, 82.2% instrument all fusion cases. Instability (93.2%), spondylolisthesis grade (59.8%) and laterolisthesis (37.3%) were the most common radiographic factors impacting the decision to fuse. Instability did not fall below the sixth rank with 75% of surgeons ranking it as the most important parameter. The top parameters also included spondylolisthesis grade, laterolisthesis, facet diastasis, and symptomatic foraminal stenosis. With regard to the clinical factors leading to fusion, mechanical low back pain (83.2%), activity level (58.3%) and neurogenic claudication (42.8%) were the top three clinical parameters. When ranked, the top parameters were mechanical low back pain, activity level, neurogenic claudication, bone mineral density and anxiety/depression. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> There is little consensus on the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis, with society members showing substantial variation in treatment patterns. The most common radiographic parameters impacting treatment are instability, spondylolisthesis grade, and laterolisthesis while mechanical low back pain, activity level and neurogenic claudication are the most common clinical parameters. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Prospective Multicenter Trial of Cervical Arthroplasty with the ROTAIO® Cervical Disc Prosthesis.

Clinical observational study. The ROTAIO® cervical disc prosthesis is a novel unconstrained implant with a variable center of rotation aiming at physiological motion. The objective of this multicenter prospective trial was to evaluate clinical outcome and complications within 2years. 120 patients (72 females and 48 males with median age of 43.0years [23-60yrs] underwent ACDA (ROTAIO®, SIGNUS Medical, Alzenau, Germany) and were prospectively followed for 24 months. Preoperative complaints were mainly associated with radiculopathy (n = 104) or myelopathy (n=16). There were 108 monosegmental and 12 bisegmental procedures including 6 hybrid constructs. Clinical outcome was evaluated at 3, 12 and 24months in 100%, 96% and 77% of the cohort by VAS, NDI, WL-26, Patient`s Satisfaction Index (PSI), SF-36, Nurick Score, mJOA, Composite Success Rate, complications, patient`s overall satisfaction and analgesics use. Highly significant clinical improvements were observed according to NDI and VAS (P < .0001 (arm); P < .001 (neck); P = .002 (head)) at all time points. Analgetic use could be reduced in 87.1 to 95.2%. Doctor`s visits have been reduced in 93.8% after 24months. Patient`s overall satisfaction was high with 78.4 to 83.5% of patients. The composite success rate was 77.5% after 12months and 76.9% after 24months. There were no major complications in this series. Slight subsidence of the prosthesis was observed in 2 patients and 3 patients demonstrated fusion after 24months. 2 patients developed symptomatic foraminal stenosis, so that implant removal and fusion was performed resulting in a revision rate of 1.7% in 2years. The ROTAIO® cervical disc prosthesis is a safe and efficient treatment option for symptomatic degenerative disc disease demonstrating highly significant clinical improvement and high patient`s overall satisfaction with very low revision rates at 2years.

Clinical Features and Surgical Outcomes of Lower Lumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Collapse with Symptomatic Stenosis: A Surgical Strategy from a Multicenter Case Series.

A retrospective multicenter case series was conducted. This study was designed to investigate the clinical features and surgical outcomes of lower lumbar osteoporotic vertebral collapse (LL-OVC) with symptomatic stenosis based on various surgical procedures and classify them using the newly developed collapse severity criteria. The surgical outcomes of LL-OVC with symptomatic stenosis remain unclear. We investigated patients who underwent surgical intervention for LL-OVC (L3, L4, and/or L5) with symptomatic foraminal and/or central stenosis from eight spine centers. Only patients with a minimum follow-up duration of 1 year were included. We developed new criteria to grade vertebral collapse severity (grade 1, 0%-25%; grade 2, 25%-50%; grade 3, 50%-75%; and grade 4, 75%-100%). The clinical features and outcomes were compared based on the collapse grade and surgical procedures performed (i.e., decompression alone, posterior lateral fusion [PLF], lateral interbody fusion [LIF], posterior/transforaminal interbody fusion [PLIF/TLIF], or vertebral column resection [VCR]). In this study, 59 patients (average age, 77.4 years) were included. The average follow-up period was 24.6 months. The clinical outcome score (Japanese Orthopaedic Association score) was more favorable in the LIF and PLIF/TLIF groups than in the decompression alone, PLF, and VCR groups. The use of VCR was associated with a high rate of revision surgery (57.1%). No significant difference in clinical outcomes was observed between the collapse grades; however, grade 4 collapse was associated with a high rate of revision surgery (40.0%). When treating LL-OVC, appropriate instrumented reconstruction with rigid intervertebral stability is necessary. According to our newly developed criteria, LIF may be a surgical option for any collapse grade. The use of VCR for grade 4 collapse is associated with a high rate of revision.

A Novel Technique of the Full Endoscopic Interlaminar Contralateral Approach for Symptomatic Extraforaminal Juxtafacet Cysts

Objective: Extraforaminal juxtafacet cyst is rare and present a surgical challenge due to its anatomical location. This study aimed to introduce the surgical technique of interlaminar contralateral endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy (ICELF) for extraforaminal juxtafacet cyst removal and reveal its approach-related benefits.Method: The endoscope was docked on the ipsilateral spinolaminar junction and access the contralateral foraminal area through the contralateral sublaminar space created by the fine drilling. As the foraminal was enlarged by foraminal ligament removal and the superior articular process drilling, the endoscope was introduced deeper to the extraforaminal area without violation of the foraminal disc. Combined foraminal stenosis was also resolved while exploring the foraminal space. Subsequently, the extraforaminal cyst was safely and entirely removed while exposing the cyst-nerve root adhesion site with an endoscopic view looking up obliquely.Results: Radiating pain in the right leg, back pain, leg hypesthesia, and ankle weakness improved. Conclusion: ICELF for the treatment of extraforaminal JFC can be an alternative surgical method to resolve symptomatic foraminal stenosis and the cyst simultaneously. The endoscopic system moves parallel to the exiting nerve root during ICELF, facilitating clear visualization of the cranial-dorsally or cranial-ventrally located extraforaminal JFCs. The entire cyst contour and the site of cyst-nerve root adhesion can be detected without nerve root retraction, and meticulous dissection is possible without violating the cystic wall.

Corrélation entre la sciatalgie au repos et l’œdème du nerf spinal dans les canaux lombaires étroits symptomatiques

BackgroundPrevious studies reported that spinal nerve edema on magnetic resonance myelography (MRM) and leg pain at rest were specifically observed in symptomatic lumbar foraminal stenosis patients. However, the correlation between leg pain at rest and spinal nerve edema in symptomatic foraminal stenosis has not been reported. HypothesisThe purpose of this prospective study is to reveal a correlation between leg pain at rest and spinal nerve edema focusing on the pathophysiology of symptomatic foraminal stenosis. Patients and methodsClinical findings and MRM findings were surveyed among 30 patients with symptomatic foraminal stenosis diagnosed by MR imaging (MRI) and selective nerve root block. Comparisons of patient characteristics and clinical findings between the prevalence and absence groups of spinal nerve edema on MRM were analyzed. A correlation between the visual analogue scale (VAS) for leg pain at rest and the spinal edema ratio calculated as maximum intensity value of the affected spinal nerve/maximum intensity value of the asymptomatic side from region of interest (ROI) made on MRM was evaluated. ResultsTwenty symptomatic foraminal stenosis cases (67 %) showed the affected spinal nerve edema on MRM. The prevalence and VAS of leg pain at rest were significantly higher in the presence of spinal nerve edema group (95 % and 67.0±36.4, respectively). The correlation coefficient between the VAS for leg pain at rest (53.0±33.6) and the spinal nerve edema ratio (1.3±0.3) was 0.647 (p<0.01). DiscussionOur study revealed the substantial correlation found between the spinal nerve edema ratio on MRM and the VAS for leg pain at rest in symptomatic foraminal stenosis. The correlation between spinal nerve edema and leg pain at rest has potential to clarify the pathology of symptomatic foraminal stenosis. Level of evidenceIV.

Correlation between leg pain at rest and spinal nerve edema in symptomatic lumbar foraminal stenosis

BackgroundPrevious studies reported that spinal nerve edema on magnetic resonance myelography (MRM) and leg pain at rest were specifically observed in symptomatic lumbar foraminal stenosis patients. However, the correlation between leg pain at rest and spinal nerve edema in symptomatic foraminal stenosis has not been reported. HypothesisThe purpose of this prospective study is to reveal a correlation between leg pain at rest and spinal nerve edema focusing on the pathophysiology of symptomatic foraminal stenosis. Patients and methodsClinical findings and MRM findings were surveyed among 30 patients with symptomatic foraminal stenosis diagnosed by MR imaging (MRI) and selective nerve root block. Comparisons of patient characteristics and clinical findings between the prevalence and absence groups of spinal nerve edema on MRM were analyzed. A correlation between the visual analogue scale (VAS) for leg pain at rest and the spinal edema ratio calculated as maximum intensity value of the affected spinal nerve/maximum intensity value of the asymptomatic side from region of interest (ROI) made on MRM was evaluated. ResultsTwenty symptomatic foraminal stenosis cases (67%) showed the affected spinal nerve edema on MRM. The prevalence and VAS of leg pain at rest were significantly higher in the presence of spinal nerve edema group (95% and 67.0±36.4, respectively). The correlation coefficient between the VAS for leg pain at rest (53.0±33.6) and the spinal nerve edema ratio (1.3±0.3) was 0.647 (p<0.01). DiscussionOur study revealed the substantial correlation found between the spinal nerve edema ratio on MRM and the VAS for leg pain at rest in symptomatic foraminal stenosis. The correlation between spinal nerve edema and leg pain at rest has potential to clarify the pathology of symptomatic foraminal stenosis. Level of evidenceIV.

Risk Factors and Prevention of C5 Palsy After Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion: Similarity of the Pathomechanism With That After a Posterior Approach.

This was a retrospective study. The objective of this study was to review clinical and imaging findings after anterior cervical decompression and fusion, as a basis for prevention of C5 palsy. C5 palsy is a common postoperative complication in spine surgery, but the mechanistic basis for this condition is unknown. The subjects were 239 patients with cervical myelopathy who underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion including at C4-C5 disk level at our hospital from 2001 to 2018. Twelve of these patients (5.0%) had C5 palsy postoperatively. Clinical features and imaging findings were compared in patients with and without C5 palsy. In patients with C5 palsy, the sagittal alignment of the cervical spine was kyphotic, the width of the C5 intervertebral foramen was narrower, and the lateral decompressed line was wider beyond the medial part of the Luschka joint. Age, sex, disease, the number of fused segments, decompression width, and anterior shift of the spinal cord did not differ significantly between patients with and without C5 palsy. These results indicate that the pathomechanism of C5 palsy may be dependent on the location of the lateral decompression line, especially in patients with cervical kyphosis and a narrow C5 intervertebral foramen. Excessive lateral decompression beyond the Luchka joint might lead to C5 root kinking between the intervertebral foramen and posterior edge of vertebra. This pathomechanism may be similar in anterior and posterior approaches. To prevent C5 palsy, the medial line of the Luschka joint should be confirmed intraoperatively and decompression should be performed within the Luschka joints. Alternatively, medial foraminotomy should be used in cases needing wide decompression, such as those with massive ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, lateral osteophytes, and symptomatic foraminal stenosis. Level III.

Value of diffusion tensor imaging and tractography in unilateral lumbar disc prolapse

BackgroundConventional MR imaging is not enough for evaluation of symptomatic foraminal stenosis, because there is high incidence of false-positive results in asymptomatic elderly patients. Conventional MR cannot quantitatively assess the severity of the nerve lesion. DTI is a non-invasive way to effectively trace the nerve fiber bundle and quantitatively evaluate the nerve injury. DTI with fiber tracking may describe abnormalities beyond the resolution of conventional MR techniques. The aim of this work was to compare between the mean values of diffusion parameters such as fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient of the compressed lumbar spinal nerve roots and of the contralateral normal nerve roots. Correlate these parameters with the severity of neurological symptoms. This is a prospective study that was conducted on 50 patients with symptomatic unilateral posterolateral lumbar disc prolapse at a university hospital. They were investigated with diffusion tensor imaging with tractography on a 1.5-T MR. The changes in the mean fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient values of the compressed nerves and the relationship between these changes and the severity of the neurological side effects using Japanese Orthopedic Association score and visual analogue scale were investigated.ResultsThe mean fractional anisotropy values were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.001), and mean apparent diffusion coefficient values were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) in compressed nerves than in contralateral intact nerves. There were strong correlations between the DTI parameters and the severity of the neurological symptoms as assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association score and the visual analogue scale.ConclusionIn patients with lumbar disc prolapse, radicular diffusion parameters are affected in the compressed roots in comparison to the healthy roots and this affection is correlated with the degree of prolapse and with the severity of neurological symptoms. DTI with fiber tracking provide clinically relevant information and describe abnormalities beyond the resolution of conventional MR techniques.

Uniportal Full Endoscopic Posterolateral Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Endoscopic Disc Drilling Preparation Technique for Symptomatic Foraminal Stenosis Secondary to Severe Collapsed Disc Space: A Clinical and Computer Tomographic Study with Technical Note

Background: Severe collapsed disc secondary to degenerative spinal conditions leads to significant foraminal stenosis. We hypothesized that uniportal posterolateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with endoscopic disc drilling technique could be safely applied to the collapsed disc space to improve patients’ pain score, restore disc height, and correct the segmental angular parameters. Methods: We included patients who met the indication criteria for lumbar fusion and underwent uniportal full endoscopic posterolateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with pre-operative Computer Tomography mid disc height of less than or equal to 5 mm and MRI of Grade 3 Foraminal Stenosis. Visual analogue scale and computer tomography pre-operative and post-operative sagittal disc height in the anterior, middle and posterior part of the disc; sagittal focal segmental angle; mid coronal disc height and coronal wedge angles were evaluated. Results: 30 levels of Endo-TLIF were included, with a mean follow up of 12 months. The mean improvement in decreasing pain score was 2.5 ± 1.1, 3.2 ± 0.9 and 4.3 ± 1.0 at 1 week post operation, 3 months post operation and at final follow up, respectively, p < 0.05. There was significant increase in mid sagittal computer tomographic anterior, middle and posterior disc height of 6.99 ± 2.30, 6.28 ± 1.44, 5.12 ± 1.79 mm respectively, p < 0.05. CT mid coronal disc height showed an increase of 7.13 ± 1.90 mm, p < 0.05. There was a significant improvement in the CT coronal wedge angle of 2.35 ± 4.73 and the CT segmental focal sagittal angle of 1.98 ± 4.69, p < 0.05. Conclusion: Application of Uniportal Endoscopic Posterolateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in patients with severe foraminal stenosis secondary to severe collapsed disc space significantly relieved patients’ pain and restored disc height without early subsidence or exiting nerve root dysesthesia in our cohort of patients.

Minimal Clinically Important Difference in Patient-Reported Outcome Measures with the Transforaminal Endoscopic Decompression for Lateral Recess and Foraminal Stenosis.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become widely used to better measure patients' judgment of treatment benefits from surgical spine care. The concept of determining the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) of PROMs is aimed at assessing the benefits of lumbar spine care that are meaningful to the patient. The goal of this study was to validate the utility of MCIDs of the visual analog score (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) in patients with sciatica-type low back and leg pain due to lateral recess and foraminal stenosis who were treated with directly visualized transforaminal outpatient endoscopic decompression. The retrospective study population consisted of 406 patients on whom PROMs were obtained preoperatively, and again postoperatively at final follow-up. Employing an anchor-based approach with a patient satisfaction index based on the modified Macnab criteria, a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 25.0 to define the optimal MCID in VAS and ODI with the transforaminal endoscopy using the top-left-corner criteria and the Youden index. Improvements in walking endurance were recorded as an additional parameter of patient functioning and correlated with PROMs to test for statistical significance. The patients' average age was 41.08 years, ranging from 30 to 84 years. The mean follow-up was 33.59 months, ranging from 24 to 85 months, with a standard deviation of 12.79. The MCIDs for VAS and ODI were 2.5 to 3.5 and 15 to 16.5, respectively. Patients were dichotomized as improved (377/406; 92.9%) if they reported excellent (224/406; 55.2%), good (112/406; 27.6%), and fair (41/406; 10.1%) Macnab outcomes. Patients were dichotomized as failed if they reported poor (29/406; 7.1%) Macnab outcomes. Preoperatively, only 32.5% (132/406) of patients had unlimited walking endurance compared to 77.6% (315/406) of patients postoperatively. The ROC and AUC analysis showed better accuracy with the single-integer VAS score (0.926) than with the 10-item ODI score (0.751). Transforaminal outpatient endoscopic decompression for symptomatic foraminal and lateral recess stenosis is an effective surgical treatment to alleviate sciatica-type and back symptoms in 92.9% of patients. Of the PROMs analyzed, the VAS provided a more meaningful and accurate reflection of patients' interpretation of outcome with the transforaminal endoscopic spinal decompression procedure than ODI. Understanding which patient expectations drive these MCIDs may aid in replacing open surgeries for sciatica-type low back and leg pain currently preferred by traditional spine surgeons with a personalized early-staged transforaminal endoscopic hybrid decompressive/ablative procedures favored by the authors. These may prove more cost effective by focusing on significant pain generators validated with a diagnostic interventional workup instead of employing image-based indication criteria for surgery.

Five-year clinical outcomes with endoscopic transforaminal foraminoplasty for symptomatic degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine: a comparative study of inside-out versus outside-in techniques.

Foraminal stenosis is a condition that is underappreciated by traditionally trained surgeons because the entire foraminal zone is not adequately visualized with the translaminar approach unless extensive removal of the facet is performed to expose the extraforaminal zone. Its direct endoscopic visualization is feasible with the inside-out and outside-in endoscopic transforaminal technique. The authors analyzed the differences in long-term 5-year clinical outcomes of endoscopic transforaminal foraminoplasty for symptoms from lumbar foraminal stenosis to better establish clinical indications for each technique. Long-term 5-year MacNab outcomes, VAS scores, complications, and unintended aftercare were analyzed in a series of 176 patients consisting of 86 inside-out (group 1) and 90 outside-in (group 2) patients treated for sciatica-type back and leg pain due to lumbar foraminal stenosis. At minimum 5-year follow-up, excellent results according to the MacNab criteria were obtained in 93 (52.8%) patients, good in 63 (35.8%), fair in 17 (9.7%), and poor in 3 (1.7%), respectively. The mean preoperative VAS was 6.87±1.96. The mean postoperative VAS was 3.15±1.59 and 2.98±1.75 at last follow-up, respectively. Both postoperative VAS and final follow-up VAS were statistically reduced at a significance level of P<0001. There were no major approach-, surgical- or anesthesia-related complications in this series. The vast majority of patients (112/176; 63.6% of the study population) did not require any additional interventional or surgical treatment following the index transforaminal endoscopic decompression. Postoperative dysesthesia due to irritation of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) as a consequence of operation next to the DRG occurred in 17 patients (9.7%) and was the most common benign postoperative sequelae. There was a higher reoperation rate in the outside-in group (35.6%) than in the inside-out group (8.1%). The secondary fusion rate was also higher with the outside-in (8.9%) than with the inside-out technique (2.3%). Ultimately, the long-term clinical outcomes with the endoscopic transforaminal decompression procedure were favorable regardless of whether the inside-out or outside-in technique was used. These numbers were generated by two experienced endoscopic surgeons with thousands of case experience. Patients with symptomatic foraminal stenosis may be treated successfully with either the inside-out or the outside-in selective endoscopic discectomy (SED™) method while maintaining favorable long-term outcomes with a 3.2× decreased need for secondary fusion at 5-year follow-up when compared to recently reported reoperation rates for traditional decompression/fusion. Long-term clinical outcomes with the inside-out technique were presumably better because of the ability to visualize and decompress underneath the dural sac, the ventral facet and the axilla known as the hidden zone of MacNab.

Five-year clinical outcomes with endoscopic transforaminal outside-in foraminoplasty techniques for symptomatic degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine.

Lumbar foraminal stenosis in the extraforaminal zone is best directly visualized with the outside-in transforaminal endoscopic technique. Stenosis in that area is often missed with traditional translaminar surgery. The authors analyzed the long-term 5-year clinical results, reoperation rates, and unintended after care with the outside-in endoscopic transforaminal foraminoplasty for symptoms from lumbar foraminal stenosis to better establish clinical indications and prognosticators of favorable outcomes. Long-term 5-year Macnab outcomes, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, complications, and unintended aftercare were analyzed in a series of 90 patients treated with the transforaminal outside-in selective endoscopic discectomy (SED™) with foraminoplasty for foraminal and lateral recess stenosis. At minimum 5-year follow-up, excellent results according to the Macnab criteria were obtained in 61 (67.8%) patients, good in 23 (25.6%), fair in 6 (6.7%), respectively. The mean preoperative VAS 7.55. The mean postoperative VAS was 2.87 and at last follow-up 2.53. Both postoperative VAS and last follow-up VAS were statistically reduced at a significance level of P<0.0001. Postoperative dysesthesia occurred in 8 patients (8.9%). While most of the 32 follow-up surgeries following SED™ were additional endoscopic decompressions and rhizotomies (24/32; 75%) were non-fusion procedures, only 8 of the whole study series of 90 patients (8.9%) underwent fusion at the index SED™ level within the minimum 5-year follow-up period. One patient opted for an open laminectomy (1.1%). Patients with symptomatic foraminal stenosis may be treated successfully in a staged manner with outside-in transforaminal endoscopic decompression while maintaining favorable long-term outcomes without the excessive need for fusion in the vast majority of patients. The reoperation fusion rate at 5-year follow-up was approximately 3 times lower when compared to recently reported reoperation rates following traditional translaminar decompression/fusion.

Clinical outcomes with endoscopic resection of lumbar extradural cysts.

Lumbar extradural cysts may be associated with sciatica-type back and leg pain. The symptoms of clinical pain syndrome from synovial cysts are sometimes difficult to differentiate from those of lumbar disc herniation or spinal canal stenosis and may be identified to be a pain source when visualized endoscopically. The authors analyzed the clinical outcomes with their endoscopic resection to better establish clinical indications and prognosticators of favorable results. Two-year Macnab outcomes, VAS scores, and complications were analyzed in a series of 48 patients treated with the endoscopic removal of extradural cyst encountered during routine transforaminal and interlaminar decompression for foraminal and lateral recess stenosis causing lumbar radiculopathy. There were 26 female and 22 male patients. The extradural cysts were most commonly encountered at L4/5 level in 26 patients (72.2%) followed by the L5/S1 level in 8 patients (22.2%), and in 2 patients (5.6%) at the L3/4 level, respectively. One patient underwent T9/10 decompression. At minimum 2-year follow-up, all patients were improved. Excellent results according to the Macnab criteria were obtained in 19/48 (39.6%) patients, good in 18/48 (37.5%), and fair in 11/48 (22.9%), respectively. The average preoperative VAS score for leg pain was 8.06±1.57 and reduced at a statistically significant level (P<0.000) postoperatively to 1.92±1.49, and 1.77±1.32 at final follow-up, respectively. The percentage of patients with unlimited walking endurance had improved at a statistically significant level (P<0.0001) from 33.3% preoperatively (16/48) to 81.3% (39/48) postoperatively. One patient had a recurrent disc herniation, and another patient did not improve. Two patients underwent fusion during the follow-up period. Patients with Fair outcomes had a statistically significant association (P<0.001) with facet instability as suggested by axial T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of thickened ligamentum flavum, facet joint hypertrophy, and bright white fluid-filled joint gap of >2 mm. Endoscopic resection of extradural spinal cysts during routine decompression for symptomatic foraminal and lateral recess stenosis is feasible with favorable clinical outcomes in the majority of patients. Fair outcomes were associated with advanced instability of the involved lumbar facet joint complex.

Treatment of Soft Tissue and Bony Spinal Stenosis by a Visualized Endoscopic Transforaminal Technique Under Local Anesthesia.

ObjectiveTo analyze long-term clinical outcomes of endoscopic transforaminal foraminoplasty for foraminal stenosis. MethodsLong-term 5-year MacNab outcomes, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, complications, and unintended aftercare were analyzed in a series of 86 patients who underwent endoscopic transforaminal foraminoplasty for foraminal stenosis. ResultsAt minimum 5-year follow-up, excellent results according to the MacNab criteria were obtained in 32 patients (37.2%), Good in 40 (46.5%), fair in 11 (12.8%), and poor in 3 (3.5%), respectively. The mean preoperative VAS was 6.15. The mean postoperative and last follow-up VAS was 3.44. Both postoperative VAS and last follow-up VAS were statistically reduced at a significance level of p<0.0001. Postoperative dysesthesia occurred in 9 patients. Another 9 patients had recurrent disc herniations (10.5%). Failure to cure with persistent pain occurred in 3 patients. Two patients developed pain postoperatively stemming from a different level. One patient experienced a postoperative hematoma which ultimately was inconsequential and did not require any additional surgery. Only 3 patients opted for revision endoscopic discectomy and another 2 for revision fusion surgery. ConclusionPatients with symptomatic foraminal stenosis may be treated successfully with early transforaminal endoscopic decompression while maintaining favorable long-term outcomes without the need for fusion in the vast majority of patients.

RESULTS OF STAGED SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH TANDEM STENOSIS OF THE CERVICAL AND LUMBOSACRAL SPINE

Objective. To conduct a retrospective analysis of staged surgery in patients with tandem stenosis of the cervical and lumbosacral spine, to identify causes of poor outcomes. Material and Methods . The study included 190 patients with tandem stenosis of the cervical and lumbosacral spine. Out of them 72 had symptomatic cervical and asymptomatic lumbosacral tandem stenosis (Group 1), 67 - symptomatic lumbar and asymptomatic cervical tandem stenosis (Group 2), and 51 - compression with neurological manifestations in both spine departments (Group 3). Patient’s anthropometric data, initial clinical symptoms, and duration of disease were analyzed. The intraoperative characteristics of surgical interventions and features of the postoperative period, clinical parameters and the existence of complications were evaluated. Results . Excellent and good postoperative outcomes were achieved in patients of Groups 1 and 2 with monosymptomatic tandem stenosis, in patients of Group 3 with symptomatic tandem stenosis, and in patients of all groups who underwent laminectomy and bilateral foraminotomy for bilateral symptomatic foraminal stenosis, and minimally invasive bilateral foraminotomy through unilateral approach in case of radiographic evidence of foraminal stenosis without symptoms. Conclusion . Symptomatic tandem stenosis of the cervical and lumbosacral spine is a severe nosological entity requiring meticulous removal of pathological substrate primarily in the cervical spine. The early implementation of the second stage of surgery significantly reduces neurological symptoms, relieves pain and improves quality of life in patients.

Preoperative retrolisthesis as a predictive risk factor of reoperation due to delayed-onset symptomatic foraminal stenosis after central decompression for lumbar canal stenosis without fusion

Background ContextFor patients diagnosed with lumbar central canal stenosis with asymptomatic foraminal stenosis (FS), surgeons occasionally only decompress central stenosis and preserve asymptomatic FS. These surgeries have the potential risk of converting preoperative asymptomatic FS into symptomatic FS postoperatively by accelerating spinal degeneration, which requires reoperation. However, little is known about delayed-onset symptomatic FS postoperatively. PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the rate of reoperation for delayed-onset symptomatic FS after lumbar central canal decompression in patients with preoperative asymptomatic FS, and determine the predictive risk factors of those reoperations. Study DesignThis study is a retrospective cohort study. Patient SampleTwo hundred eight consecutive patients undergoing posterior central decompression for lumbar canal stenosis between January 2009 and June 2014 were included in this study. Outcome MeasuresThe number of patients who had preoperative FS and the reoperation rate for delayed-onset symptomatic FS at the index levels were the outcome measures. MethodsPatients were divided into two groups with and without preoperative asymptomatic FS at the decompressed levels. The baseline characteristics and revision rates for delayed-onset symptomatic FS were compared between the two groups. Predictive risk factors for such reoperations were determined using multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics analyses. ResultsPreoperatively, 118 patients (56.7%) had asymptomatic FS. Of those, 18 patients (15.3%) underwent reoperation for delayed-onset symptomatic FS at a mean of 1.9 years after the initial surgery. Posterior slip in neutral position and posterior extension-neutral translation were significant risk factors for reoperation due to FS. The optimal cutoff values of posterior slip in neutral position and posterior extension-neutral translation for predicting the occurrence of such reoperations were both 1 mm; 66.7% of patients who met both of these cutoff values had undergone reoperation. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that 15.3% of patients with preoperative asymptomatic FS underwent reoperation for delayed-onset symptomatic FS at the index levels at a mean of 1.9 years after central decompression, and preoperative retrolisthesis was a predictive risk factor for such a reoperation. These findings are valuable for establishing standards of appropriate treatment strategies in patients with lumbar central canal stenosis with asymptomatic FS.

Curve Characteristics and Foraminal Dimensions in Patients With Adult Scoliosis and Radiculopathy.

Retrospective cohort study. To demonstrate a correlation between radiculopathy symptoms, foraminal morphology, and curve types. Patients with degenerative scoliosis frequently present with foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy, the origin of which is not well understood. A total of 48 patients (384 foraminas) were included: 14 with low back pain (B); 16 with femoral nerve pain (F); and 18 with sciatic nerve pain (S). The symptomatic foramen of groups F and S were compared with asymptomatic foramina. Alignment was measured from standardized radiographs; 3D-CT reconstructions were used to measure foraminal height and area. Data are presented as mean±SD. The χ, t test, and Pearson coefficients were calculated; as well as interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility (Cohen κ). Seventeen of the 18 patients with sciatic nerve pain (S) presented foraminal stenosis (<40 mm) at the concavity of the fractional curve distal to the main lumbar structural curve. The symptomatic foramina were significantly smaller in height (7.8±2.5 vs. 12.1±3.1 mm, P<0.0001) and area (30.1±14.3 vs. 57.6±28.7 mm, P<0.0001) compared with asymptomatic foramen; 7/7 patients with femoral nerve pain (F) and lumbar structural curves (apex L3 or lower) had foraminal stenosis at the concavity of the fractional curve. Eight of the 9 patients with femoral nerve pain (F) and thoracic, thoracolumbar, or lumbar (apex L2 or higher) curves, presented foraminal stenosis in the concavity of the caudal fractional curve. The symptomatic foraminal spaces were significantly smaller in height (9.2±3.2 vs. 12.1±3.1 mm, P<0.0001) and area (30.1±15.2 vs. 57.6±28.7 mm, P<0.0001). Foraminal height correlated with foraminal area (r=0.68-0.85; P<0.0001). Interobserver agreement was between 0.6092 and 0.8679. A correlation between curve types and symptomatic foraminal stenosis exists. Adult scoliosis patients with sciatic nerve pain typically present with foraminal stenosis at the concavity of the caudal fractional curve. Similarly, patients with femoral nerve pain present with foraminal stenosis at the concavity of the caudal fractional curve when the main structural curve is thoracic, thoracolumbar, or lumbar (apex L2 or higher).

Early experience with endoscopic foraminotomy in patients with moderate degenerative deformity.

OBJECTIVE Asymmetrical degeneration of the disc is one of the most common causes of primary degenerative scoliosis in adults. Coronal deformity is usually less symptomatic than a sagittal deformity because there is less expenditure of energy and hence less effort to maintain upright posture. However, nerve root compression at the fractional curve or at the concave side of the main curve can give rise to debilitating radiculopathy. METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of 16 patients with coronal deformity of between 10° and 20°. All patients underwent endoscopic foraminal decompression surgery. The pre- and postoperative Cobb angle, visual analog scale (VAS), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Oswestry Disability Index scores were measured. RESULTS The average age of the patients was 70.0 ± 15.5 years (mean ± SD, range 61-86 years), with a mean followup of 7.5 ± 5.3 months (range 2-14 months). The average coronal deformity was 16.8° ± 4.7° (range 10°-41°). In 8 patients the symptomatic foraminal stenosis was at the level of the fractional curve, and in the remaining patients it was at the concave side of the main curve. One of the patients included in the current cohort had to undergo a repeat operation within 1 week for another disc herniation at the adjacent level. One patient had CSF leakage, which was repaired intraoperatively, and no further complications were noted. On average, preoperative VAS and SF-36 scores showed a tendency for improvement, whereas a dramatic reduction of VAS, by 65% (p = 0.003), was observed in radicular leg pain. CONCLUSIONS Patients with mild to moderate spinal deformity are often compensated and have tolerable levels of back pain. However, unilateral radicular pain resulting from foraminal stenosis can be debilitating. In select cases, an endoscopic discectomy or foraminotomy enables the surgeon to decompress the symptomatic foramen with preservation of essential biomechanical structures, delaying the need for a major deformity correction surgery.