Anterior Percutaneous Full-Endoscopic Transcorporeal with Single-Incision Treatment for Noncontiguous 2-Level Cervical Disc Herniation: Technical Report and Early Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Noncontiguous 2-level cervical disc herniation (NCT-CDH) is a common condition that often requires surgical intervention. In this study, we developed a surgical approach for the treatment of NCT-CDH using anterior percutaneous full-endoscopic single incision through the vertebral body. We provide a brief overview of its safety, efficacy, and feasibility, along with a description of our relevant surgical experience. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, involving 30 patients who were followed up for at least 12 months. Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale, Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, Nurick scores, intervertebral disc height, and modified Macnab criteria were recorded. Patients underwent regular radiological evaluations throughout the follow-up period. RESULTS: Postoperative computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and X-ray examinations revealed bone tunnel healing, intact drilled vertebral bodies without collapse, adequate decompression of the spinal canal, and normal cervical mobility. There was a significant improvement in postoperative visual analog scale, Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, Nurick scores, and modified Macnab criteria compared to the preoperative values (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that the anterior percutaneous full-endoscopic transcorporeal with single-incision treatment for NCT-CDH is a safe and feasible surgical method. Therefore, it can be considered as a viable treatment option for patients with NCT-CDH.

Percutaneous Full Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Symptomatic Adjacent Segment Disease after Lumbar Fusion in Elderly Patients.

PURPOSE: Treatment of adjacent segment disease (ASD) is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety and to analyze the technical advantages, surgical approach, and indications of percutaneous full endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in the treatment of ASD after lumbar fusion in elderly patients. METHODS: A retrospective of 32 patients with symptomatic ASD were accepted for PELD from October 2017 to January 2020. All patients used the transforaminal approach and recorded the operation time and intraoperative conditions. Preoperative, 3, 12, 24 months of postoperative and at the last follow-up, the pain of back and leg of visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Assessment Treatment Score (JOA) were performed, and the paired student's t test was used to the compare the continuous variables preoperatively and postoperatively. The clinical efficacy was evaluated according to MacNab standards. The lumbar MRI was performed to evaluate the decompression of the nerve roots, and the lumbar lateral and dynamic X-rays were performed to evaluate the stability of the surgical segment. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were included in the study, including 17 males and 15 females. The follow-up time ranged from 24 to 50 months, with an average of (33.2 ± 8.1) months and an average operation time of (62.7 ± 28.1) minutes. Compared to preoperatively, the VAS score of the back and leg pain (p < 0.05), ODI (p < 0.05), and JOA (p < 0.05) postoperatively were significantly improved. At the last follow-up, according to the modified MacNab standard assessment, 24 cases were excellent, five cases were good, and three cases were fair, the excellent and good rate was 90.65%. As for complications, one case had a small rupture of the dural sac during the operation, which was found but not repaired during the operation, and one case recurred after the operation. At the last follow-up, there were three cases of intervertebral instability. CONCLUSION: PELD showed satisfactory short-term efficacy and safety in the management of ASD after lumbar fusion in elderly patients. Therefore, PELD might be an alternative choice for elderly patients with symptomatic ASD after lumbar fusion, but surgical indications must be strictly controlled.

Percutaneous full endoscopic tumourectomy of a lumbar epidural schwannoma via transforaminal approach: a case report and systematic review of the literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Report of three patients undergoing lumbar epidural schwannoma tumourectomy. Percutaneous endoscopy has been routinely used in the treatment of disk herniation but has not been reported in the management of intraspinal tumours. METHODS: Three patients diagnosed with schwannoma by imaging and pathological examination underwent percutaneous full endoscopic tumourectomy. A 5-mm incision was made, the puncture needle passed through the skin, subcutaneous tissue and the deep fascia and vertebral muscles to the intervertebral foramen area. Next, a working cannula was inserted into the lesion area. Foraminotomy was completed by trephine and microscopic power drill if the foramen was stenosed. Tumour tissue was totally removed piecemeal. After probing the nerve foramen and the nerve root satisfactorily, the working cannula was removed and the incision sutured. RESULTS: Three patients were operated successfully. Symptoms recovered in all cases and no complication or recurrence was found on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This case report presents a new technique for non-infiltrating extradural lumbar tumour treatment, demonstrating feasibility and safety of percutaneous full endoscopic lumbar tumourectomy.

Comparison of clinical and radiological outcomes of full-endoscopic versus microscopic lumbar decompression laminectomy for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To determine the clinical and radiological outcomes of full-endoscopic (FE) versus microscopic (MI) lumbar decompression laminectomy in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), we performed a meta-analysis to explore the best choice for patients with LSS requiring surgical relief. METHODS: Literature searches of the PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases were performed. The searches covered all indexed studies published between 2008 and 2020, using keywords identifying the patient group (lumbar spine stenosis) and the interventions (full-endoscopic lumbar decompression laminectomy and microscopic lumbar decompression laminectomy). A total of 1,727 patients were included in 10 studies. The primary outcomes of the analysis were visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for leg and back pain, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. RESULTS: The meta-analysis of the VAS score for low back pain showed that in the first 24 hours postoperatively, participants who underwent FE had better pain control than those who underwent MI [FE: mean difference (MD) =-0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.11, -0.45; MI: MD =-1.53, 95% CI: -1.94, -1.12]. In all subgroup analyses, the VAS score for back pain was lower in the FE group than in the MI group (MD =-0.71, 95% CI: -0.96, -0.47). Regarding the VAS score for leg pain, the FE group had a significantly lower score than the MI group in the first 24 hours (Total: MD =-1.02, 95% CI: -1.31, -0.73). The meta-analysis demonstrated that the FE group had a significantly lower ODI score than the MI group (MD =-1.03, 9% CI: -1.54, -0.51). At 6 months, the MI group had a significantly lower score than the FE group (MD =1.09, 95% CI: 0.53, 1.64), but at 12 months, the FE group had a significantly lower score than the MI group (MD =-2.40, 95% CI: -3.12, -1.67). DISCUSSION: Compared to MI decompression, the FE decompression method resulted in better pain control in the early postoperative period, both in the lower back and legs, as well as shorter operative and shorter hospitalization times.

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

BACKGROUND: 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). METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Translaminar Osseous Channel-Assisted Full-Endoscopic Flavectomy Decompression of Thoracic Myelopathy Caused by Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum: Surgical Technique and Results.

BACKGROUND: Previous surgical procedures for the treatment of thoracic myelopathy (TM) due to ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) were accompanied by significant trauma and risk. OBJECTIVES: Report a novel minimally invasive technique, translaminar osseous channel-assisted posterior percutaneous full-endoscopic flavectomy (p-PEF), as an alternative surgical strategy for the treatment of OLF-related TM. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A center for spine surgery and pain medicine. METHODS: Thirteen patients with TM caused by isolated OLF who underwent translaminar osseous channel-assisted p-PEF were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic findings and clinical results were compared to confirm the efficacy of the procedure and perioperative complications were investigated to evaluate the technical safety. RESULTS: All 13 patients with 23 isolated ossified sites were successfully treated with the translaminar osseous channel-assisted p-PEF technique and no additional internal fixation was needed. With an average follow-up of 29.2 months (range, 24-36 months), no local instability was detected. The preoperative and final follow-up cross-sectional area of the stenotic dural sac was 47.87 ± 8.98 mm2 and 130.47± 19.07 mm2, respectively (P < 0.0001). The mean modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was significantly improved from 3.54 ± 1.26 points preoperatively to 9.07 ± 1.48 points at final follow-up (P < 0.0001). The Visual Analog Scale scores of thoracolumbar backaches were 5.3 ± 1.2 before surgery and 0.69 ± 0.75 at final follow-up (P = 0.001). No serious complications ensued. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study with several limitations, including the lack of a control group, small number of included samples and unavoidable nature of the single-center study design. CONCLUSIONS: Translaminar osseous channel-assisted p-PEF technique, with less tissue trauma and impact on the stability of the spine, can provide adequate decompression and satisfying outcomes in the treatment of OLF-related TM and should be considered as an alternative procedure for isolated OLF.

Comparative analysis of the biomechanics of the adjacent segments after minimally invasive cervical surgeries versus anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: A finite element study.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous full-endoscopic anterior cervical discectomy (PEACD) and posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) as alternatives to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) are extensively used in the treatment of patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. The possibility of avoiding the risk of accelerated degeneration of the adjacent segments caused by fusion is claimed to be the theoretical advantage of these approaches; however, there is a paucity of supportive evidence from biomechanical data. Therefore, this study investigated and compared the effects of PCF, PEACD, and ACDF on the adjacent segments and operative segments of the cervical spine from a biomechanical standpoint. METHOD: A normal and intact three-dimensional finite element digital model of C4-C7 was constructed and validated, and the finite element models of PEACD, PCF, and ACDF were obtained by modifying the C4-C7 model. All models were exposed to identical conditions of load during flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending. We calculated the range of motion (ROM), intervertebral disc pressure (IDP), and facet joint contact force (FJCF) of the operative segment and the adjacent segment in different motion conditions. RESULT: The conventional ACDF had a remarkable influence on the ROM and IDP of the operative segment and the adjacent segments. In the PEACD model, the change of ROM was not noticeable; the IDP of the operative segment was significantly smaller, whereas the change of IDP of the adjacent segment was insignificant. In the PCF model, the ROM and IDP of all segments remained unaffected.During extension, the facet joint contact force changed significantly after ACDF, and it changed slightly after PECAD and PCF. CONCLUSION: By comparatively analyzing the biomechanical changes of the cervical spine after PCF, PEACD, and ACDF using the finite element method, we suggested that PCF and PEACD were more suitable for surgical intervention of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy than ACDF from a biomechanical point of view and PCF may outperform PEACD.

Percutaneous Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Foraminoplasty and Decompression by Using a Visualization Reamer for Lumbar Lateral Recess and Foraminal Stenosis in Elderly Patients.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy has been widely used to treat lumbar disc herniation; its advantages are less trauma, faster recovery, lower costs, and higher percentage of patient satisfaction compared with open surgery. Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with percutaneous full-endoscopic surgery is still challenging, especially for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and complex pathologic factors. The aim of this study was to introduce percutaneous full-endoscopic lumbar foraminoplasty and decompression using a visualization reamer in elderly patients with lateral recess and foraminal stenosis and evaluate efficacy and safety. METHODS: This retrospective review comprised 65 consecutive elderly patients (30 men and 35 women) with lateral recess and foraminal stenosis who underwent percutaneous full-endoscopic lumbar foraminoplasty and discectomy from January 2017 to September 2017. Visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index were used to evaluate pain relief and neurologic improvement. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 71.58 years (range, 65-89 years). Mean follow-up period was 16.12 months (range, 12-20 months). Mean operative time was 98.59 minutes per level (range, 55-120 minutes). Mean intraoperative perspective frequency was 3.21 times (range, 2-6 times). Mean hospital stay after the procedure was 2.18 days (range, 1-4 days). Back and leg visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores at all time points in the postoperative period were significantly lower than preoperatively (P < 0.01). At final follow-up, modified MacNab criteria were rated as follows: excellent, 47 patients (72.31%); good, 12 patients (16.92%); fair, 3 patients (4.62%); and poor, 4 patients (6.15%). Therefore, excellent or good results were obtained in 89.23% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous full-endoscopic lumbar foraminoplasty and discectomy using a visualization reamer is an effective and safe treatment for elderly patients with lumbar lateral recess and foraminal stenosis. It improves safety and efficiency of decompression and reduces intraoperative fluoroscopy.

Comparison of the Biomechanical Changes After Percutaneous Full-Endoscopic Anterior Cervical Discectomy versus Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy at C5-C6: A Finite Element-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous full-endoscopic anterior cervical discectomy (PEACD) and posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) have been reported as effective treatments for the cervical spondylosis radiculopathy (CSR), but the biomechanical effects on the discs and facet joints of PEACD and PCF remain largely unclear. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and compare the biomechanical changes on cervical spine after PECAD and PCF procedures, thus providing evidences for surgeons to select a more appropriate approach. METHODS: An intact cervical C5-C6 digital model was constructed and then modified to obtain the PCF and PEACD models using finite element method. All the models were subjected to a 73.6N preload accompanied by a 1.8 Nm moment during flexion, extension, axial rotation, lateral bending. The range of motion (ROM), intervertebral disc pressure (IDP), facet joint contact area, and contact pressure were calculated under different loading conditions. RESULTS: The ROM of the PCF model changed slightly (0.28%), whereas that of the PEACD model increased significantly (20.49%) compared with intact model. The trend of IDP changes in these 2 surgical models were similar to ROM in the corresponding motion state. The contact pressure on the facet joint of the PEACD model increased by 20.53%, 33.38%, and 17.46% during extension, lateral bending, and axial bending, respectively, compared with the intact model, and the PCF increased by 33.53% and 16.16% during extension and lateral bending, respectively, whereas it decreased 0.97% in axial rotation. The facet joint contact area of the PCF model increased by 85.71%, 1.54%, and 2.17% during extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, respectively, and the area of the PEACD model increased by 157.14% and 36.96% during extension and axial rotation, whereas it decreased by 13.85% during lateral bending. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first biomechanical finite element study comparing PEACD with PCF for the treatment of CSR. Our results showed that PEACD led to hypermobility with high IDP within the cervical segment undergone surgery, whereas the ROM and IDP changed slightly after PCF. The variations of the contact stress indicated that both procedures changed the transmission path of the force on the facet joint and may accelerate the degeneration of the facet joint. PCF may be a better choice for the treatment of CSR compared with PEACD.

Percutaneous full endoscopic posterior decompression of thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum.

PURPOSE: Ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF) is the leading cause of progressive thoracic myelopathy (TM) in East Asian countries. Surgical decompression is the general treatment for TM. This study investigated the application of percutaneous full endoscopic posterior decompression (PEPD) for the treatment of thoracic OLF. METHODS: Eighteen patients with TM were treated by PEPD under local anaesthesia. Patients had an average age of 59.1 years and single-level lesions mostly at the lower thoracic vertebrae. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to classify the OLF. The pre- and postoperative neurological statuses were evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) sensory and motor score, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score and Frankel grade. RESULTS: OLF for all patients was classed as lateral, extended, and enlarged types without comma and tram track signs. Decompression was completed, and a dome-shaped laminotomy was performed through limited laminectomy and flavectomy. Dural tears in 2 patients were the only observed complication. The average score of ASIA sensory and motor, mJOA, as well as the Frankel grade improved significantly after surgery at an average follow-up time of 17.4 months. The average recovery rate (RR) was 47.5% as calculated from the mJOA scores. According to RR, 10 cases were classified as good, 4 cases fair, and 4 cases unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with thoracic OLF at a single level and lateral, extended, and enlarged types without comma and tram track signs, it is safe and reliable to perform PEPD, which has satisfactory clinical results. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Posterior percutaneous full-endoscopic cervical discectomy under local anesthesia for cervical radiculopathy due to soft-disc herniation: a preliminary clinical study.

The authors describe the outcomes of 25 patients, the procedure's surgical steps, and the potential advantages of using the posterior percutaneous full-endoscopic cervical discectomy under local anesthesia. They believe this technique may be a new alternative in the treatment of selected patients with cervical radiculopathy due to soft-disc herniation.

Clinical Observation of Posterior Percutaneous Full-Endoscopic Cervical Foraminotomy as a Treatment for Osseous Foraminal Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effects of posterior percutaneous full-endoscopic cervical foraminotomy in patients with osseous foraminal stenosis. METHODS: Nine patients with osseous foraminal stenosis underwent surgery using the posterior percutaneous full-endoscopic cervical foraminotomy technique and received follow-up care for 1 year. The visual analog scale score, neck disability index, and modified Macnab criteria were recorded at the last follow-up. All patients underwent three-dimensional computed tomography of the cervical spine, which was reviewed within 1 week postoperatively. RESULTS: All operations were successful, and all patients received follow-up care. The mean operation time was 80 minutes. Surgical bleeding was not observed, and no related complications occurred. Postoperative visual analog scale and neck disability index scores were significantly reduced compared with the preoperative assessment. In addition, imaging showed that the osteophytes in the intervertebral foramen were adequately resected. According to modified Macnab criteria, 6 cases showed excellent results, 3 cases showed good results, and no fine or bad results were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior percutaneous full-endoscopic cervical foraminotomy can accomplish full nerve root decompression and is a safe, feasible procedure. Therefore, it can be a treatment option for patients with osseous foraminal stenosis.