Radiomics based on MRI to predict recurrent L4-5 disc herniation after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, radiomics has been shown to be an effective tool for the diagnosis and prediction of diseases. Existing evidence suggests that imaging features play a key role in predicting the recurrence of lumbar disk herniation (rLDH). Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the risk of rLDH in patients undergoing percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) using radiomics to facilitate the development of more rational surgical and perioperative management strategies. METHOD: This was a retrospective case-control study involving 487 patients who underwent PELD at the L4/5 level. The rLDH and negative groups were matched using propensity score matching (PSM). A total of 1409 radiomic features were extracted from preoperative lumbar MRI images using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis, t-test, and LASSO analysis. Afterward, 6 predictive models were constructed and evaluated using ROC curve analysis, AUC, specificity, sensitivity, confusion matrix, and 2 repeated 3-fold cross-validations. Lastly, the Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) analysis provided visual explanations for the models. RESULTS: Following screening and matching, 128 patients were included in both the recurrence and control groups. Moreover, 18 of the extracted radiomic features were selected for generating six models, which achieved an AUC of 0.551-0.859 for predicting rLDH. Among these models, SVM, RF, and XG Boost exhibited superior performances. Finally, cross-validation revealed that their accuracy was 0.674-0.791, 0.647-0.729, and 0.674-0.718. CONCLUSION: Radiomics based on MRI can be used to predict the risk of rLDH, offering more comprehensive guidance for perioperative treatment by extracting imaging information that cannot be visualized with the naked eye. Meanwhile, the accuracy and generalizability of the model can be improved in the future by incorporating more data and conducting multicenter studies.

Comparison of spinal anesthesia and local anesthesia in percutaneous interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy for L5/S1 disc herniation: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy (IELD) is a prevalent method for managing lumbar disc herniation. Local anesthesia (LA) is frequently employed during IELD, albeit with its merits and drawbacks. The spinal anesthesia (SA) represents a feasible anesthetic strategy for IELD; however, the availability of clinical research data is currently limited. METHODS: The propensity score matching was conducted to ensure the comparability of the SA and LA groups. The outcome measures were operation time, intraoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, need for adjuvant analgesia, intraoperative vital signs, blood loss, adverse surgical events, anesthesia-related complications, postoperative bed rest duration, VAS for pain at 2 h postoperatively, Oswestry Disability Index score (ODI), satisfaction with surgical efficacy, and willingness to undergo reoperation at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were assigned to each group. Significant differences were found between the groups regarding intraoperative VAS for pain, use of adjuvant analgesics, willingness to undergo reoperation, maximum intraoperative systolic blood pressure, and variability (P < 0.05). Compared to the LA group, the SA group had lower VAS for pain at 2 h postoperatively, a longer operation time, a longer duration of postoperative bedrest, and more anesthesia-related complications (P < 0.05). No significant intergroup differences were detected in intraoperative heart rate variability, blood loss, ODI, satisfaction with surgical efficacy, and surgery-related complications (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: SA as an alternative anesthesia for IELD surgery holds great promise, exhibiting superior efficacy compared to LA. However, it is crucial to meticulously evaluate the indications due to potential risks associated with this form of anesthesia.

Prognostic factors for patient-reported satisfaction after percutaneous lumbar endoscopic discectomy at a minimum of two years' follow-Up.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is increasingly used in patients with lumbar disc herniation due to its less invasive nature and faster recovery. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic factors associated with patient satisfaction index (PSI) in PELD. A retrospective study of 337 patients who underwent PELD between November 2015 and October 2020 in our department was conducted. Preoperative data of the enrolled patients were recorded. A logistic regression model was developed to explore the preoperative factors associated with postoperative PSI. After a mean follow-up of 28.7 ± 3.6 months, 310 patients were satisfied (NASS score of 1 or 2) and 27 patients were dissatisfied (NASS score of 3 or 4), resulting in a patient satisfaction rate of 91.99%. Demographic data, clinical symptom characteristics, and neurological physical examinations (including lower limb hypesthesia, muscle strength, and tendon flex) did not show any significant differences between the four groups (NASS1,2,3,4). The satisfactory group showed a higher rate of positive Lasegue sign (P = 0.010) and higher preoperative VAS (P = 0.002). The dissatisfaction group showed a higher rate of contiguous double-level disc herniation (P = 0.003). Our findings indicated that positive Lasegue sign and high preoperative VAS were prognostic factors for patient-reported satisfaction and PELD might not be the first choice for contiguous double-level disc herniation.

Percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy with patients' participation : better postoperative rehabilitation and satisfaction.

OBJECT: Evaluation of the impact of patients' participation on postoperative recovery and satisfaction who underwent the Percutaneous Endoscopic Interlaminar Discectomy(PEID). METHODS: We collected data from sixty-nine patients who underwent PEID surgery at Chuzhou Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital between January 2020 and December 2022. All patients had L5/S1 lumbar disc herniation and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into two groups: non-communication group (n = 33) and communication group (n = 36). The division was made based on whether the patients had preoperative surgical video viewing and intraoperative communication. We compared the baseline data, surgical time, VAS score, lumbar JOA score, surgical complications, and patient satisfaction between the two groups. RESULT: The communication group showed better pain control and functional recovery in the early postoperative period. The communication group had better VAS scores on the first day and month after surgery, as well as JOA scores on the first week and month after surgery, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in hospital stay, VAS score, JOA score, and postoperative complications between the two groups of patients at 3 and 6 months after surgery. The communication group had higher patient satisfaction (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative surgical video viewing and intraoperative communication by PEID patients can alleviate pain, accelerate functional recovery, improve symptoms, and increase patients' satisfaction. We need to do more work to develop this new model.

Percutaneous nucleoplasty and intradiscal electrothermal therapy in the management of lumbar discogenic pain: A retrospective comparative study.

Percutaneous lumbar nucleoplasty (PLN) and intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) are effective treatment options for discogenic low back pain (D-LBP). We evaluated the effectiveness of PLN and IDET and the positive predictive factors associated with intradiscal procedures. We reviewed the medical records of 205 patients who underwent IDET or PLN in patients with D-LBP followed by positive provocation discography. A successful outcome was defined as ≥ 50% pain relief on the numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score at the 6-month follow-up visit. The relationship between the outcome of the intradiscal procedure and clinical variables was investigated using multivariate analyses. Of the 142 patients (89 with PLN and 53 with IDET), 86 (60.5%) experienced a successful outcome, which was more substantial in PLN (n = 61, 68.5%) than in IDET (n = 25, 47.2%; P = .010). The high-grade Modified Dallas Discogram Scale in provocation discography and a procedure at the L3/L4 spinal level were independent positive predictors of successful outcomes (P = .023 and .010, respectively). Coexisting psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, were negative predictors of successful treatment (P = .007). No serious complications related to the intradiscal procedures were reported during the 6-month follow-up period. PLN and IDET might be effective for managing low back pain (LBP) from internal disc disruption (IDD). The high-grade Modified Dallas Discogram, a procedure at the L3/4 spinal level, and the absence of neuropsychiatric disorders could be positive factors for the successful outcome of the intradiscal procedure.

Anterior percutaneous full-endoscopic transcorporeal decompression for cervical disc herniation: a finite element analysis and long-term follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term consequences on the cervical spine after Anterior transcorporeal percutaneous endoscopy cervical discectomy (ATc-PECD) from the biomechanical standpoint. METHODS: A three-dimensional model of the normal cervical spine C2-T1 was established using finite element method. Subsequently, a disc degeneration model and degeneration with surgery model were constructed on the basis of the normal model. The same loading conditions were applied to simulate flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation of the cervical spine. We calculated the cervical range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure, and intravertebral body pressure under different motions for observing changes in cervical spine biomechanics after surgery. At the same time, we combined the results of a long-term follow-up of the ATc-PECD, and used imaging methods to measure vertebral and disc height and cervical mobility, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and visual analog scale (VAS) score were used to assess pain relief and neurological functional recovery. RESULTS: The long-term follow-up results revealed that preoperative JOA score, neck VAS score, hand VAS score, IDH, VBH, and ROM for patients were 9.49 ± 2.16, 6.34 ± 1.68, 5.14 ± 1.48, 5.95 ± 0.22 mm, 15.41 ± 1.68 mm, and 52.46 ± 9.36° respectively. It changed to 15.71 ± 1.13 (P < 0.05), 1.02 ± 0.82 (P < 0.05), 0.77 ± 0.76 (P < 0.05), 4.73 ± 0.26 mm (P < 0.05), 13.67 ± 1.48 mm (P < 0.05), and 59.26 ± 6.72° (P < 0.05), respectively, at 6 years postoperatively. Finite element analysis showed that after establishing the cervical spondylosis model, the overall motion range for flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation decreased by 3.298°, 0.753°, 3.852°, and 1.131° respectively. Conversely, after establishing the bone tunnel model, the motion range for these actions increased by 0.843°, 0.65°, 0.278°, and 0.488° respectively, consistent with the follow-up results. Moreover, analysis of segmental motion changes revealed that the increased cervical spine mobility was primarily contributed by the surgical model segments. Additionally, the finite element model demonstrated that bone tunneling could lead to increased stress within the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs of the surgical segments. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up studies have shown that ATc-PECD has good clinical efficacy and that ATc-PECD can be used as a complementary method for CDH treatment. The FEM demonstrated that ATc-PECD can lead to increased internal stresses in the vertebral body and intervertebral discs of the operated segments, which is directly related to cervical spine degeneration after ATc-PECD.

The effect of large channel-based foraminoplasty on lumbar biomechanics in percutaneous endoscopic discectomy: a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of foraminoplasty using large-channel endoscopy during TESSYS on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine. METHODS: A complete lumbar spine model, M1, was built using 3D finite elements, and models M2 and M3 were constructed to simulate the intraoperative removal of the superior articular process of L5 using a trephine saw with diameters of 5 mm and 8.5 mm, respectively, and applying normal physiological loads on the different models to simulate six working conditions-anterior flexion, posterior extension, left-right lateral bending, and left-right rotation-to investigate the displacement and facet joint stress change of the surgical segment, and the disc stress change of the surgical and adjacent segments. RESULTS: Compared with the M1 model, the M2 and M3 models showed decreased stress at the L4-5 left FJ and a significant increase in stress at the right FJ in forward flexion. In the M2 and M3 models, the L4-5 FJ stresses were significantly greater in left lateral bending or left rotation than in right lateral bending or right rotation. The right FJ stress in M3 was greater during left rotation than that in M2, and that in M2 was greater than that in M1. The L4-5disc stress in the M3 model was greater during posterior extension than that in the M1 and M2 models. The L4-5disc stress in the M3 model was greater in the right rotation than in the M2 model, and that in the M2 model was greater than that in the M1 model. CONCLUSION: Foraminoplasty using large-channel endoscopy could increase the stress on the FJ and disc of the surgical segment, which suggested unnecessary and excessive resection should be avoided in PTED to minimize biomechanical disruption.

Comparison of Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy, Chemonucleolysis, Microdiscectomy, and Microendoscopic Discectomy for Symptomatic Lumbar Disc Herniation: One-year Follow-up Clinical Results and Disc Degeneration.

This study compared the 1-year clinical outcomes and disc degeneration rates after transforaminal full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TF-FED), condoliase injection, open discectomy (OD), and microendoscopic discectomy (MED) for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). In total, 279 patients with LDH were divided into four treatment groups: TF-FED, OD, MED, and condoliase injection. Outcomes were evaluated on the basis of the complication rate, Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and the modified MacNab criteria. Surgical and hospital costs were assessed. Disc degeneration and endplate bone marrow edema were evaluated using magnetic resonance images. The mean postoperative JOABPEQ, VAS, or modified MacNab scores among the four groups had no significant differences. Additionally, the nerve injury or reoperation rate among the TF-FED, OD, and MED groups had no significant difference. However, the reoperation rate with condoliase injection was high because of residual disc herniation. Surgical and hospital costs were lower with condoliase injection and higher with OD and MED than those with TF-FED. With TF-FED and condoliase injection, the Pfirrmann grade progressed, and the disc height was significantly smaller than that with OD and MED. Endplate bone marrow edema was more common with condoliase injection and TF-FED. All groups had good outcomes. TF-FED and condoliase injection may reduce the burden of surgery because they can be performed under local anesthesia with little blood loss and low medical costs but tend to be associated with disc degeneration and endplate bone marrow edema. A randomized controlled study with a larger sample is needed.

Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion-derived adjacent segment disease managed via channel-repairing anterior endoscopic transcorporeal cervical discectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Management of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF)-derived adjacent segment disease (ASD) represented a challenge facing the surgeons. METHODS: A 41-year man diagnosed as C3-4 level ASD derived from C5-level ACCF surgery 13 years ago was admitted to the hospital for numbness and pain in the right shoulder and upper limb. Percutaneous full-endoscopic anterior transcorporeal cervical discectomy (PEATCD) was performed, and pre- and postoperative clinical and imaging data were collected. RESULTS: The operation was completed within 70 min, and no clinical or radiological complication was reported. The visual analog scale (VAS) score decreased from preoperative 5 points to postoperative 1 point. Numbness was relieved postoperatively and disappeared completely at postoperative 3 months. Imaging data indicated sufficient spinal cord decompression, good channel repairing and cervical alignment. CONCLUSIONS: Channel-repairing PEATCD was successfully performed to treat ACCF-derived ASD, nevertheless, the long-term efficacy remained tracing and further clinical trials were needed to validate its efficacy.

Comparison of different concentrations of ropivacaine in epidural anesthesia for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the optimal concentration of ropivacaine epidural anesthesia for clinical use in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) by comparing the effects of different concentrations. METHODS: Seventy patients scheduled for their first PTED procedure were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized to receive ropivacaine at varying concentrations (0.3% or 0.4%). Primary outcome measures included the numeric rating scale (NRS) and hip extension level (HEL). Secondary outcome measures included intraoperative fentanyl dosage and postoperative complications. RESULTS: One patient withdrew due to severe postoperative complications. The remaining 69 patients were allocated to the 0.3% (n = 34) and 0.4% (n = 35) groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics showed no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). The NRS score was significantly lower in the 0.4% group than in the 0.3% group (P < 0.01), whereas the HEL score was significantly higher (P < 0.001). The average fentanyl dose in the 0.4% group was significantly lower than that in the 0.3% group (P < 0.01). Postoperative complications occurred in five and two patients in the 0.3% and 0.4% groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although 0.4% ropivacaine (20 mL) impacts muscle strength, it does not impede PTED surgery. Given its effective analgesic properties and few postoperative complications, 0.4% ropivacaine can be considered a preferred dose for PTED. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR2200060364; Registration Date: 29/5/2022) and on chictr.org.cn ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=171002 ).

Percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy for high-grade migrated lumbar disc herniation: clinical efficacy and safety assessment.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) in the management of high-grade migrated Lumbar disc herniation (LDH). METHODS: A total of 328 patients who underwent PEID for high-grade migrated LDH between May 2020 and January 2023 in our hospital were selected. Patients were categorized into high-grade migrated group and low-grade migrated group according to preoperative MRI findings. The preoperative and postoperative evaluations of clinical outcomes, such as Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for lower backs and legs, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and modified MacNab criteria for surgical success, were compared between groups. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in hospitalization time, surgery time, intraoperative hemorrhage, number of intraoperative fluoroscopies, or incision length between the two groups. The lower back and leg VAS scores and ODI exhibited a statistically significant decrease in both groups across all postoperative time intervals. However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Postoperative nerve root stimulation symptoms were reported in two and three cases in the high-grade migrated group and low-grade migrated group, respectively. One patient in the high-grade migrated group underwent reoperation due to re-herniation at the same segment. There was no significant difference in the rate of excellent-good cases between the two groups, with an overall rate of 94.7%. CONCLUSION: In treating high-grade migrated disc herniation, PEID offers advantages such as reduced trauma, small incision, quicker recovery and satisfactory clinical safety and efficacy.

Surgical Strategy for Lumbar Disc Herniation based on the MSU Classification: Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy versus Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A 5-year Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is no established guideline on whether to opt for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) or traditional transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery based on specific types of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Based on the Michigan State University (MSU) classification system, this study conducted a medium- to long-term follow-up analysis of two surgical methods over 5 years for the first time, aiming to provide empirical evidence to assist in making more informed decisions before surgery for LDH treatment. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included 273 patients with single-level LDH who underwent PELD or TLIF treatment at our hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018. Detailed metrics included preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at 1-day, 1-week, 1-year, and 5-year follow-ups. Complications, recurrences, and 5-year postoperative modified MacNab criteria scores were also recorded. Statistical methods included independent sample t-tests, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and χ2 tests. RESULTS: Classified into seven groups according to the MSU classification, it was found that there was an improvement in the VAS and ODI scores at four postoperative follow-ups (p < 0.001). PELD showed better results than TLIF in reducing pain and improving the ODI scores in the classifications of 3B, 2B, and 2C (p < 0.05). TLIF demonstrated consistent superiority over PELD in 2A, 2AB, 3A, and 3AB classifications (p < 0.05). The total recurrence rate in the PELD group (11.05%) within 5 years after surgery was higher (p < 0.05) than that in the TLIF group (3.96%). These were mainly concentrated in the 2A, 2AB, 3A, and 3AB types. Moreover, the rate of excellent and good outcomes in the PELD was higher than in the TLIF but no significant difference (χ2 = 1.0568, p = 0.5895). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that PELD and TLIF may relieve LDH, but have advantages under different MSU classifications. The MSU classification has specific guiding significance and could aid in the surgical selection of PELD or TLIF to achieve optimal treatment outcomes for patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for Upper Lumbar Disc Herniation versus lower lumbar disc herniation: clinical outcomes and technical consideration.

BACKGROUND: Upper lumbar disc herniation (ULDH) accounts for 1-10% of all lumbar disc herniations (LDH). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with ULDH who underwent percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) compared with those with lower LDH. METHODS: 60 patients with ULDH or L4-L5 LDH treated with PTED between May 2016 and October 2021. MacNab criteria, visual analog scale (VAS) of back pain and leg pain, and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) were evaluated before and after surgery. RESULTS: In the L1-L3 group, 59.1% of the patients had a positive femoral nerve tension test, and 81.8% of the patients had a sensory deficit. Both groups showed significant improvements in VAS scores for low back and leg pain, and JOA scores postoperatively. No significant differences in the degree of improvement were observed between the two groups. The excellent/good rate was 81.8% in the L1-L3 group and 84.2% in the L4-L5 group, showing no significant difference. CONCLUSION: PTED has comparable efficacy in treating ULDH as it does in treating lower LDH, it is a safe and effective treatment method for ULDH.

Determining the Maximum Tolerable Concentration of Ropivacaine to Maintain Sensation of the Nerve Root in Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy: Can Epidural Anaesthesia Achieve Pain-Tactile Separation Block to Avoid Nerve Injury?

Introduction: Nerve injury is a serious complication of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy due to nerve root contact. The maximum tolerable concentration (MTC) of ropivacaine concentration for epidural anaesthesia, is defined as the concentration that minimises pain while preserving the sensation of the nerve roots. This distinct advantage allows the patient to provide feedback to the surgeon when the nerve roots are contacted. Methods: We used a biased-coin design to determine the MTC, which was estimated by the 10% effective concentration (EC10), ie, the concentration at which 10% of patients lost sensation in the nerve roots. The determinant for positive response was lack of sensory feedback upon contact with the nerve root, and the feedback from occurrence of sensations in the innervation area upon contact with the nerve root was defined as a negative response. Primary outcome was the response from contact nerve root. Secondary outcomes were the type and number of statements of negative response and each patient's pain score during surgery. Results: Fifty-four patients were included in this study. The EC10 was 0.434% (95% CI: 0.410%, 0.440%) using isotonic regression in comparison with 0.431% (95% CI: 0.399%, 0.444%) using probit regression. Three type statements of negative response were reported including "tactile sensation", radiculalgia, and numbness. Conclusion: The MTC of ropivacaine used for epidural anaesthesia was 0.434% to avoid nerve injury in percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy.

Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy for the Treatment of Disc Herniation: A 3-Year Retrospective Study.

AIM: Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PELD) is a new minimally invasive spine surgery for patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Based on the 3-year follow-up data, the effect of PELD on the clinical outcomes of patients with LDH through a retrospective cohort study was analyzed in this article, so as to provide guidance for clinical selection of surgical options. METHODS: The clinical data of 150 patients with LDH admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the surgical methods recorded in the medical record system, the patients were divided into the open lumbar microdiscectomy (OLM) group (n = 50) and the PELD group (n = 100). The surgical and postoperative recovery indicators of the two groups were compared after matching. These included incision length, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative ambulation time and hospital stays, recovery rate, short-term complication rate, Lumbar visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. RESULTS: Compared with the OLM group, the PELD group had shorter incision length, shorter operation time, shorter postoperative ambulation time, shorter hospital stays, less intraoperative blood loss, lower short-term complication rate, lower lumbar pain and dysfunction scores at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after operation, higher short-term excellent-and-good recovery rate, and higher quality-of-life scores at 3 years after operation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with OLM, PELD in the treatment of LDH patients can reduce the operation time, blood loss, and length of hospital stays, suggesting a short-term postoperative recovery effect. Compared with OLM, PELD can also reduce the incidence of short-term complications, enhance the effect of pain control and improvement of dysfunction in the medium term, and improve the long-term quality of life.

A new technique for low back pain in lumbar disc herniation: percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy combined with sinuvertebral nerve ablation.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating leg pain among patients with lumbar disc herniation. Nonetheless, residual back pain persists as a troubling issue for surgeons following the procedure. In the treatment of discogenic back pain, sinuvertebral nerve radiofrequency ablation has shown promising results. Nevertheless, the potential benefit of simultaneously implementing sinuvertebral nerve radiofrequency ablation during PELD surgery to address residual back pain has not been thoroughly investigated in current literature. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients with low back pain who underwent combined PELD and sinuvertebral nerve ablation in our department between January 2021 and September 2023. Residual low back pain post-surgery was assessed and compared with existing literature. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients, including 53 males and 27 females, were included in the study. Following surgical intervention, patients demonstrated remarkable improvements in pain and functional parameters. One month post-operatively, the VAS score for low back pain exhibited a 75% reduction (6.45 ± 1.3 to 1.61 ± 1.67), while the VAS score for leg pain decreased by 85% (7.89 ± 1.15 to 1.18 ± 1.26). Notably, the JOA score increased from 12.89 ± 5.48 to 25.35 ± 4.96, and the ODI score decreased form 59.48 ± 9.58 to 20.3 ± 5.37. These improvements were sustained at three months post-operatively. According to the modified Mac Nab criteria, the excellent and good rate was 88.75%. Residual low back pain is observed to be comparatively reduced compared to the findings documented in earlier literature. CONCLUSION: The combination of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and sinuvertebral nerve ablation demonstrates effective improvement in low back pain for LDH patients.

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OBJECTIVES: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided acupotomy in adjuvant treatment of residual symptoms after percutaneous cervical disc nucleoplasty (PCDN) for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). METHODS: A total of 70 CSR patients were divided into treatment group and control group according to random number table, with 35 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received PCDN, while patients in the treatment group further received ultrasound-guided acupotomy, which was performed once every 5 to 7 days for a total of 4 to 6 times (adjusted according to the condition of patients). The visual analog score (VAS), neck dysfunction index (NDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association cervical spondylosis scale (JOA score), and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point scale were adopted in the assessment before PCDN and 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months after PCDN. The clinical efficacy, postoperative adverse reactions and complications of the 2 groups were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with those before PCDN, the VAS score and NDI score of the 2 groups were decreased (P<0.05), JOA score and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point score were increased (P<0.05) at 1 day and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Compared with same group 1 day after surgery, the VAS score and NDI score of the treatment group were decreased (P<0.05), while JOA score and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point score were increased (P<0.05) at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Compared with the control group at the same time points, the VAS score and NDI score of the treatment group were decreased (P<0.05), while JOA score and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point score were increased (P<0.05) at 1, 3 and 6 months after operation. The effective rate and excellent rate of the treatment group 1, 3 and 6 months after PCDN were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). Follow-up to 1 year after surgery, no significant postoperative adverse reactions and complications were found in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided acupotomy can significantly improve the residual symptoms after PCDN for CSR patients, and the clinical efficacy is significantly better than that of PCDN alone, and this therapy is safe and reliable.

Prognostic factors for residual symptoms following percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

To explore the risk factors for residual symptoms following percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). A retrospective case-controlled study. From January 2015 to December 2020, consecutive patients who underwent PELD for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in our department were retrospectively studied. All the patients were followed-up at least two years. Residual symptoms were analyzed for association with baseline data, clinical feature, physical examination, and radiographic characteristics, which were used to detected the risk factors. A total of 339 patients were included in this study, with a mean follow-up of 28.7 ± 3.6 months. Of the enrolled patients, 90 (26.5%) patients experienced residual low back pain (LBP), and 76 (22.4%) patients experienced leg numbness (LN). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that intervertebral disc calcification on CT scans (odd ratio, 0.480; 95% confidence interval: 0.247 ~ 0.932; P < 0.05) was independent risk factor for postoperative residual LBP with odd ratio and longer symptom duration was risk factor for postoperative residual LN (odd ratio, 2.231; 95% confidence interval:1.066 ~ 4.671; P < 0.05). Residual symptoms following transforaminal endoscopic surgery are quite prevalent. Intervertebral disc calcification is a protective factor for residual low back pain, and a longer symptom duration is a risk factor for residual leg numbness.