[Early efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy with multimodal neurophysiological monitoring].

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD) assisted by neurophysiology monitoring (NM) in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). Methods: The clinical data of 55 patients with CSR treated in the Department of Spinal Surgery of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from April 2015 to May 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 29 patients were treated with multi-mode NM-assisted PECD (NM group) and 26 patients with PECD alone (PECD group). The gender, age, operation time, bleeding volume, average hospital stay and complications between the two groups were recorded and compared. In addition, the visual analogue score (VAS) of neck and upper limb pain and the score of Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) were compared between the two groups before operation, 1 month after the operation and at the last follow-up. These data between groups were compared by independent sample t test. Results: All patients in both groups were followed-up for at least 18 months. Neck VAS and upper limb VAS scores of two groups at 1 month post operation (neck: 2.1±1.2, 2.0±1.1; upper lamb: 2.4±1.2, 2.2±0.8) and the last follow-up (neck:0.8±0.5, 0.7±0.5; upper lamb: 0.8±0.7, 0.8±0.5) decreased significantly when compared with those before the operation (neck: 6.0±1.0, 5.9±1.0; upper lamb: 7.1±0.9, 7.4±0.9) (t=12.670-27.305, all P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (t=-1.107-0.917, all P>0.05). JOA scores of two groups at 1 month after the operation (12.7±0.8, 12.6±0.8), and at the last follow-up (14.6±0.7, 14.4±0.8) were all improved significantly from those before the operation (11.1±1.0, 10.9±0.8) (t=-11.074, -14.829, -9.603, -13.086, all P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the two groups (t=0.842, 0.003, both P>0.05). There was also no significant difference in bleeding volume, and operation time between the two groups, (t=-0.615, -0.922, P>0.05) but the average hospital stay and incidence of complications in the NM group were significantly lower than those in the PECD group (t=-2.815, χ(2)=4.755, both P<0.05). Conclusion: Multimode NM-assisted PECD in the treatment of CSR achieves satisfactory results, reducing the average hospital stay, reducing complications and improving surgical safety.

[Comparison of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in treating upper lumbar disc herniation].

Objective: To compare the efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PTED) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the treatment of high lumbar disc herniation. Methods: The clinical data of patients with high lumbar disc herniation from February 2010 to February 2015 were retrospective analyzed. According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 63 cases were enrolled, including PTED group 33 cases, TLIF group 30 cases. The improvement of the two groups before and after surgery was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI). The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, drainage volume at 48 h postoperatively, hospitalization time, number of fluoroscopy, complication, recurrence rate and postoperative recovery were compared between the two groups. The follow-up period was 12 to 33 months. Results: The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, drainage amount and hospitalization time in PTED group were significantly less than those in TLIF group[(71±19) vs (121±22) min, (30±21) vs (317±50) ml, 0 vs (93±29) ml, (3.5±1.9) vs (12.5±2.1) d]. The number of fluoroscopy in PTED group was significantly higher than TLIF group[(16.2±8.3) vs (6.7±4.2)](all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS score and ODI improvement rate between the two groups after operation (both P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the excellent rate of surgery and the recurrence rate (both P>0.05). Conclusions: PTED has the advantages of less trauma and bleeding, rapid postoperative recovery in the treatment of upper lumbar disc herniation compared with TLIF, and the curative effect and recurrence rate are similar with TLIF. Therefore, PTED is an effective method for the treatment of upper lumbar disc herniation.

[Biomechanical affect of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy on adjacent segments with different degrees of degeneration:a finite element analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanical affect of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy(PTED) on adjacent segments with different degrees of degeneration and related risk of adjacent segment diseases (ASD) caused by this operation. METHODS: A healthy male adult volunteer was selected, and the lumbosacral vertebra image data was obtained by CT scan, and the external contour of the bone structure was reconstructed. On this basis, the external contour of the bone structure was fitted by using the smooth curve in 3D-CAD software, and the complete three-dimensional finite element modelof the non degenerate L3-S1 segment and the degenerative models of the L3-L4 and L5-S1 segment were drawn forward. In L4, L5 segment simulating PTED surgery through the removal of right part of articular process and nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus. After PTED was simulated in the L4-L5 segment and the risk of ASD has been evaluated by six changes of biomechanical indicators in flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending, left and right axial rotation conditions. RESULTS: In the finite element model without adjacent segmental disc degeneration, the annulus fibrosus von Mises stress and intradiscal pressure of the PTED model showed only a slight increase under most stress conditions, and a slight decrease in a few conditions, and there was no significant change trend before and after surgery. In the original degenerated adjacent segment disc model, the biomechanical indicators related to disc degeneration in the pre- and post-PTED model showed significant deterioration, leading to an increased risk of potential adjacent spondylopathy. CONCLUSION: PTED surgery will not lead to the significant deterioration of postoperative biomechanical environment of non-degeneration adjacent intervertebral discs, and the original degeneration of adjacent intervertebral discs is a important risk factor for ASD.

[Treatment of upper lumbar disc herniation with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy through two different approaches].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy through two different approaches in treating upper lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: From March 2015 to August 2019, 32 patients with upper lumbar disc herniation treated by percutaneous endoscopic lumbar dicecromy(PELD) were analyzed retrospectively and divided into percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) and percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) group according to different methods. There were 19 patients in PETD group, including 10 males and 9 females aged from 30 to 65 years old with an average of (44.70±12.08) years old;5 patients on L1, 2, 6 patients on L2, 3, 8 patients on L3, 4;6 patients were central herniation, 8 patients were paracentric herniation, and 5 patients were migration of herniation. There were 13 patients in PEID group, including 4 males and 9 females aged from 25 to 55 years old with an average of (42.23±12.09) years old;the courses of disease ranged from 1 to 7 months with an average of (2.90±3.02) months;3 patients on L1, 2, 4 patients on L2, 3, 6 patients on L3, 4;2 patients were central herniation, 4 patients were paracentric herniation, 3 patients were migration of herniation, 4 patients were prolapse free type protrusion. VAS and ODI score before operation, postoperative at 3 days, 3 and 6 months were compared between two groups, advanced MacNab standard at 1 year after operation were applied to evaluate clinical effects. RESULTS: Operation were successful operated in 32 patients and obtained following up without nerve injury and infection of intervertebral space. One patient in PETD groups occurred dural sac tear in operation, but no adverse reaction afteroperation. PETD group was followed up from 12 to 24 months with an average of (15.80±3.48) months, while PEID group was followed up from 12 to 30 months with an average of (16.70±4.66) months, while there was no statistical difference between two groups (P>0.05). VAS and ODI score at different time points after operation were higher than that of before operation (P<0.05). According to advanced MacNab standard at 1 year after operation, 11 patients obtained excellent results, 6 good, 1 moderate and 1 poor in PETD group;while 7 patients got excellent results, 4 good, 2 moderate in PEID group. CONCLUSION: Both of two surgical approach could achieve satisfactory efficacy in treating upper lumbar disc herniation, PETD is more suitable for central herniation, paracentric herniation and patients with mild displacement, PEID has advantage on prolapse free type protrusion.

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine for foraminal endoscopic surgery / 中国基层医药

Objectives:To investigate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine for foraminal endoscopic surgery.Methods:A total of 75 patients with lumbar disc herniation who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between September 2020 and May 2021 were included in this study. Using a case-control study method, these patients were divided into three groups according to different treatment methods, with 25 patients in each group. The three groups underwent a single-segment unilateral approach for foraminal endoscopic surgery. Group A received simple process infiltration anesthesia, while Group B and Group C received a pump injection of 0.5 μg/kg/h dexmedetomidine for 20 minutes prior to surgery. Group B underwent post-surgical anesthesia adjustments, which involved joint process infiltration anesthesia that was seamlessly integrated with a pump-administered dexmedetomidine infusion at a rate of 0.4 μg/kg/h throughout the surgical procedure. Group C received joint process infiltration anesthesia that was seamlessly integrated with a pump-administered dexmedetomidine infusion at a rate of 0.6 μg/kg/h throughout the surgical procedure. Vital signs, sedation status, sedation score, length of hospital stay, pain score (VAS) immediately after surgery, pain scores at 3 and 6 hours after surgery, and changes in vital signs at different points during surgery were compared among the three groups.Results:There were no significant differences in age, sex, or surgical segment among the three groups (all P > 0.05). The postoperative length of hospital stay in Groups A, B, and C was (5.12 ± 1.15) days, (3.02 ± 0.42) days, and (3.82 ± 0.54) days, respectively ( F = 32.04, P < 0.01). At the beginning of surgery, the sedation scores in Groups A, B, and C were (1.22 ± 0.29) points, (1.28 ± 0.36) points, and (1.46 ± 0.38) points, respectively ( F = 3.28, P < 0.05). At 30 minutes after surgery, the sedation scores in the three groups were (2.12 ± 0.22) points, (2.16 ± 0.24) points, and (2.20 ± 0.24) points, respectively ( F = 3.72, P < 0.01). Immediately after surgery, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores in the three groups were (3.52 ± 0.33) points, (2.92 ± 0.55) points, and (2.82 ± 0.54) points, respectively ( F = 15.16, P < 0.01). At 3 hours after surgery, the VAS scores in the three groups were (3.64 ± 0.39) points, (2.60 ± 0.58) points, and (2.74 ± 0.54) points ( F = 30.47, P < 0.01). At 6 hours after surgery, the VAS scores in the three groups were (3.78 ± 0.43) points, (2.52 ± 0.47) points, and (2.74 ± 0.52) points, respectively ( F = 49.90, P < 0.01). There were significant differences in VAS score, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure among the three groups during articular process puncture, cannula expansion of the intervertebral foramen, and capture of the perinerve protrusion nucleus pulposus ( F = 34.59, 148.65, 164.08, 5.08, 10.81, 38.06, 43.62, 37.46, and 38.76, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Preoperative dexmedetomidine can effectively maintain hemodynamic stability, ensure sedation levels, reduce postoperative pain, and accelerate patient recovery after surgery.

Effects of surgery with the YESS technique on lumbar range of motion and limb function in patients with lumbar disc herniation / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of surgery with the Yeung endoscopic spine system (YESS) technique on lumbar range of motion and limb function in patients with lumbar disc herniation.Methods:A total of 148 patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation admitted to Liaocheng Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from April 2018 to April 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into control and observation groups ( n = 74/group). The control group was treated with laminectomy, and the observation group was treated with an intervertebral foramen mirror YESS. The lumbar range of motion, Oswestry disability index score, and incidence of surgical complications were compared between the two groups. Results:At postoperative 7 days, ranges of motion in lumbar flexion, lumbar extension, left lumbar lateral flexion, and right lumbar lateral flexion in the observation group were (87.45 ± 7.38)°, (26.87 ± 3.41)°, (28.58 ± 3.41)°, (28.39 ± 3.41)°, which were significantly higher than (68.98 ± 6.51)°, (15.69 ± 3.23)°, (18.69 ± 2.32)°, (14.56 ± 2.96)° in the control group ( t = 16.15, 20.48, 20.63, 26.35, all P < 0.001). At postoperative 7 days, the Oswestry Disability Index in each group was significantly decreased compared with before treatment (both P < 0.05). At postoperative 7 days, the score of each dimension of the Oswestry Disability Index in the observation group was significantly lower compared with the control group ( t = 49.13, 50.20, 54.78, 37.79, 32.04, 36.68, 43.69, 28.92, 39.31, 64.12, all P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the incidences of perioperative incision infection, nerve injury, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, lumbar spondylolisthesis, and foot drop between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion:Treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation with the YESS technique is helpful to improve lumbar mobility and reduce lumbar dysfunction and is highly safe.

[Treatment of migrated lumbar disc herniation with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and target foraminoplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy with target foraminoplasty in treating migrated lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: From June 2015 to January 2016, 25 patients with migrated lumbar disc herniation were treated with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy with target foraminoplasty. A total of 14 males and 11 females, aging from 23 to 52 years old (average: 37.6) were enrolled in this study. Discectomy occurred in L2,3 of 1 case, L3,4 of 3 cases, L4,5 of 12 cases, L5S1 of 9 cases. Preoperative, 1-week and 1-year postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were collected to evaluate lower back and leg pain; Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) was used to assess the lumbar function. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for 12 to 19 months with an average of 15.2 months. The mean operation time was 108.6 min. No injury of dura, nerve root, or wound infection were found. Preoperative, 1-week and 1-year postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS) scores of lower back pain were 5.8±0.5, 2.5±0.4, 0.9±0.2, respectively, with significant differences among each other(P<0.05);VAS scores of leg pain were 7.1±0.6, 1.5±0.4, 0.7±0.6, respectively, with significant differences among each other(P<0.05). Lumbar ODI scores were 69.2±1.8, 22.5±4.7, 10.2±2.4 at the above time points and showed significant differences among each other(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy with target foraminoplasty for migrated lumbar disc herniation showed advantages of less injuries, bleeding and complication. It also promotes rapid recovery, being curative safely and effectively.

Progress in diagnosis and treatment of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy / 中国医师杂志

Lumbar disc herniation is one of the common orthopedic diseases. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has gradually become a first-line surgical approach. Compared with open discectomy and open lumbar microdiscectomy, PELD has shorter operation time, less bleeding and lower complication rate, but the postoperative recurrence rate is relatively high and the learning curve is steep. Unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy and full endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion may be effective supplements to PELD. New technologies such as the combination of navigation and 3D printing technology, multi-mode nonlinear optical microscope, the combination of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and artificial intelligence (such as deep learning and convolution neural network) will help to improve the accuracy of positioning and tissue discrimination of PELD, predict the surgical difficulty and postoperative recurrence, shorten the learning curve, and promote the popularization and application of PELD.

Clinical outcomes of robot-assisted transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To introduce a new TIANJI robot assisted targeted puncture technique, and discuss the feasibility and clinical effect of transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (tPELD) using this technique.Methods:The first 14 consecutive cases of single level lumbar disc herniation who underwent robot assisted tPELD procedure were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age was 46.3±16.0 years old (ranged from 16-72). After data transferred from C-arm to robot system and automatic registration, surgeons made plans of the trajectory on robot system based on intraoperative 3-dimensional images of lumbar spine. Move robotic arm to planned position, guide an accurate puncture pathway and establish working cannula. 25 consecutive patients who underwent conventional C-arm assisted tPELD surgery during the same period of time were assessed as the controlled group. The mean age was 45.5±13.7 years old (ranged from 16-68). All patients were followed up for 12 months. Clinical effect was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Modified Macnab criteria. Intraoperative parameters and surgery-related complications were recorded.Results:The baseline data of age, surgical level, types of herniation, preoperative VAS scores and ODI had no significant difference between two groups ( P>0.05). In robot group, one case was converted to open microdiscectomy during operation due to technical failure. The other thirteen cases had successful robot assisted tPELD surgeries and were assessed accordingly. The new technique had good clinical outcomes. The immediate post-operative VAS score 2.85±1.79 and the last follow-up VAS score 1.50±1.04 were both significantly decreased than that before surgery 7.62±0.92 ( F=69.747, P<0.01); the last follow-up ODI 18.89%±12.16% was significantly reduced from the pre-operative ODI 71.19%±12.12% ( t=15.430, P<0.01). Between two groups, the immediate post-operative VAS score ( t=0.568, P=0.574), the last follow-up VAS score ( t=0.713, P=0.481), and last follow-up ODI had no significant difference ( t=0.171, P=0.865). The excellent or good rate of modified Macnab criteria at the last follow-up was 92.30% in robot group, comparing to 84.0% in controlled group. The fluoroscopic times during surgery of robot group 8.8±5.5 was significantly lowered the in controlled group 21.3±8.3 ( P<0.01). One case in robot group and two cases in controlled group had recurrence during follow-up period (recurrence rate 7.7% vs. 8.3%). However, there was no significant complications such as nerve root injury, dura injury or increased intracranial pressure in both groups. Conclusion:This study confirmed the feasibility of this new technique. Preliminary results indicated that TIANJI robot could help to build an easy, accurate and safe procedure of tPELD surgery.

[Percataneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effects of percataneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion. METHODS: The clinical data of 46 patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion underwent percataneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy were retrospectively analyzed. There were 21 males and 25 females, aged from 23 to 65 years old with an average of 42 years. The course of disease was from 5 to 87 months with an average of 13.4 months. Protrusion located in L2,3 of 2 cases, L3,4 of 3 cases, L4,5 of 28 cases, L5S1 of 13 cases. There were 5 patients with central type, 34 with para-side type, 7 with extreme lateral type. VAS, ODI and JOA scores were used to analyze the condition of pain releasing and lumbar functional improvement. According to MacNab standard to evaluate the clinical effect at final follow-up. RESULTS: All the operations were successful, operative time was 125 to 210 min with a mean of 153.6 min; and all the patients were follow-up for 6 to 12 months with an average of 8 months; no injuries of nerve and blood vessel, infection were found. Postoperative 3 days and final follow-up, VAS score was 3.1±0.7, 2.2±0.6 respectively, and was obviously lower than preoperative 7.3±1.2(P<0.05). At final follow-up, JOA and ODI were (23.5±2.4) points, and (22.10±9.26)%, respectively, and was obviously improved compared with preoperative (13.2±2.8) points and (69.12±13.15)% (P<0.05). According to modified MacNab standard to evaluate the clinical outcome, 30 cases got excellent results, 14 good, 2 fair, no recurred and overhauling were found. CONCLUSIONS: Percataneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive technique, with advantage of safety and effectiveness, and apply to treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.

Repair of defects after lumbar discectomy with autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and annular suture / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the safety and validity of enriched autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and annular suture for repairing defect after lumbar discectomy.Methods:Enrichment of autologous BMSCs: autologous bone marrow blood was collected from 5 patients undergoing lumbar surgery, and nucleated cells were enriched on gelatin sponge particles by selective cell retention technique. From October 2016 to March 2019, 109 patients with lumbar disc herniation underwent discectomy with mobile microendoscopic discectomy technique, including 61 males and 48 females, aged 24-59 years. Discectomy group: 26 cases received simple discectomy. Suture group: 39 cases received annular suture after discectomy. BMSCs+suture group: 44 cases received intradisc transplantation of gelatin sponge particles enriched with autologous BMSCs and annular suture after discectomy. The perioperative conditions were recorded, with visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), Pfirrmann grade of disc degeneration, disc height and degree of herniationevaluated after operation.Results:In enrichment test with flow cytometry, the enrichment multiple of nucleated cells and target cells was 6.4±0.9 and 4.2±0.6 respectively, and BMSCs grew well in vitro. The operation time was 35-55 mins. 7 cases in the suture group were transferred to the discectomy group and 10 cases in the BMSCs+suture group were transferred to BMSCs group due to unsuccessful suture. There were no significant differences in VAS, ODI, Pfirrmann grade of disc degeneration, disc height and degree of herniation among the groups. There was no significant difference in intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage and length of hospital stay. The incision was healed without redness and swelling. 18 patients were followed up for 6 months, and 91 cases were followed up for 1-3 years (25.0±5.6 months). There was no interbody fusion, heterotopic ossification or infection during follow-up. VAS and ODI decreased significantly after operation in all patients. At final follow-up, the VAS improvement rate of BMSCs+suture group (81.7%±7.9%) was higher than discectomy group (73.0%±8.9%), suture group (74.0%±6.9%) and BMSCs group (75.3%±8.4%); the ODI improvement rate of BMSCs+suture group (91.9%±8.8%) was higher than discectomy group (86.2%±8.1%) and suture group (86.4%±5.5%). According to MRI, the Pfirrmann grade of disc increased 0.7 in discectomy group, 0.6 in suture group, while it did not increased significantly in BMSCs+suture group and BMSCs group, and the progress of Pfirrmann grade in BMSCs+suture group and BMSCs group were lighter than discectomy group and suture group.The disc height decreased in each group, the loss rate of disc height in BMSCs+suture group (17.2%±4.3%) was less than discectomy group (29.3%± 6.3%) and suture group (20.6%±5.7%); and suture group was less than discectomy group. The degree of herniation was reduced by more than 50% in all groups, while 1 case in discectomy group had herniation without clinical symptoms.Conclusion:Autologous BMSCs and annulus suture are safe and effective in repairing the defect after lumbar discectomy, which may help to slow down the degeneration of intervertebral disc.

Biomechanical affect of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy on adjacent segments with different degrees of degeneration:a finite element analysis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the biomechanical affect of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy(PTED) on adjacent segments with different degrees of degeneration and related risk of adjacent segment diseases (ASD) caused by this operation.@*METHODS@#A healthy male adult volunteer was selected, and the lumbosacral vertebra image data was obtained by CT scan, and the external contour of the bone structure was reconstructed. On this basis, the external contour of the bone structure was fitted by using the smooth curve in 3D-CAD software, and the complete three-dimensional finite element modelof the non degenerate L@*RESULTS@#In the finite element model without adjacent segmental disc degeneration, the annulus fibrosus von Mises stress and intradiscal pressure of the PTED model showed only a slight increase under most stress conditions, and a slight decrease in a few conditions, and there was no significant change trend before and after surgery. In the original degenerated adjacent segment disc model, the biomechanical indicators related to disc degeneration in the pre- and post-PTED model showed significant deterioration, leading to an increased risk of potential adjacent spondylopathy.@*CONCLUSION@#PTED surgery will not lead to the significant deterioration of postoperative biomechanical environment of non-degeneration adjacent intervertebral discs, and the original degeneration of adjacent intervertebral discs is a important risk factor for ASD.

Treatment of lumbar degenerative disease with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: minimally invasive procedure versus open surgery / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To compare the minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MTLIF) with open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (OTLIF) in treatment of lumbar degenerative disease.Methods:Clinical data of 63 patients with single segment lumbar degenerative disease treated in Department of Orthopedics of Beijing Hospital from November 2015 to September 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, among whom 30 cases received MTLIF and 33 cases received OTLIF. The operative time, intraoperative X-ray exposure times, intraoperative blood lose, postoperative drainage,perioperative fever, adjacent segment degeneration, loosening of internal fixation and cage collapse were observed in two groups 4 years after operation, and the visual analog scale (VAS) score of the lower back and the leg, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score were compared between two groups.Results:The operation time [(191.6±50.5) min] and radiation exposure times [(15.5±6.4) times] in MTLIF group were significantly more than those in OTLIF group [(105.8±23.1) min, (7.2±1.4)times, t=17.210, t=10.850,all P<0.01]. The intraoperative blood loss [(150.4±70.4) ml], postoperative drainage [(90.4±30.7)ml], VAS score (2.4±0.7) and ODI score (24.5±3.7) 2 weeks after surgery in MTLIF group were significantly lower than those in OTLIF group [(250.7±43.9)ml,(216.3±67.8)ml,(4.5±1.6),(30.6±4.6), t=-12.830, t=-14.070, t=-6.890, t=-5.805,all P<0.01]. There were no significant differences in the incidence of fever [1 case(3.3%) vs. 4 cases(12.1%),χ2=-1.661, P=0.20], VAS score[(1.2±0.7) vs. (1.3±0.6), t=-0.628, P=0.53], ODI score[(14.2±2.7) vs. (14.7±2.5), t=-0.756, P=0.45], fusion rate of Bridwell grade Ⅰ [86.7%(26/30) vs. 84.8%(28/33),χ2=0.042, P=0.84] 1 year after surgery; and the adjacent segment degeneration [0 case(0) vs. 1 case(3.0%),χ2=0.924, P=0.34], internal fixation loosening [1 case(3.3%) vs. 1 case(3.0%),χ2=0.005, P= 0.95] and cage collapse 4 years after surgery [1 case(3.3%) vs. 1case(3.0%),χ2=0.005, P=0.95] between MTLIF group and OTLIF group. Conclusion:Compared with OTLIF, MTLIF has longer operation time and more radiation exposure, but it can achieve full decompression, the same fusion rate, less bleeding, less trauma, faster recovery, fewer complications and satisfactory long-term effect.

Pain intensity and functionality after percutaneous endoscopic discectomy: a retrospective cohort study / Intensidade de dor e funcionalidade após discectomia endoscópica percutânea: estudo de coorte retrospectivo / Intensidad del dolor y funcionalidad después de la discectomía endoscópica percutánea: un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate pain intensity and functional status before and 30 days following percutaneous lumbar endoscopic discectomy. Methods A retrospective cohort study that included patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic discectomy from January 2019 to October 2020 at the Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital, in Porto Alegre. The data were collected from the electronic medical records of the patients by two independent physicians. Clinical outcomes were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Results Forty-six patients with a mean age of 52.6 ± 15.8 years, 27 of whom (58.7%) were male, were evaluated. Regarding clinical outcomes, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the comparison between the pre- and 30-day postoperative VAS and ODI scores, with no significant difference in relation to sex. No peri- or postoperative complications were observed. All patients successfully completed surgery and were discharged after recovery from anesthesia. Conclusion There was a significant improvement in pain and functional status 30 days after percutaneous endoscopic discectomy performed to correct lumbar disc herniation, with no difference in relation to sex. In addition, no peri- or postoperative complications were observed. Future studies, with longer follow-up times, comparing clinical outcomes from the various techniques of percutaneous endoscopic discectomy are necessary. Level of evidence III; Retrospective comparative study.

RESUMO Objetivos Avaliar a intensidade da dor e o estado funcional antes da cirurgia e em 30 dias de pós-operatório de discectomia endoscópica lombar percutânea. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo. Foram incluídos pacientes tratados com discectomia endoscópica percutânea, de janeiro de 2019 a outubro de 2020, no complexo hospitalar Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre. Os dados foram coletados do prontuário eletrônico dos pacientes por dois médicos independentes. Os desfechos clínicos foram avaliados pela pontuação da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) e do Índice de Incapacidade Oswestry (ODI). Resultados Foram incluídos 46 pacientes no estudo, com média de idade de 52,6 ± 15,8 anos, sendo 27 (58,7%), do sexo masculino. Quanto aos desfechos clínicos, observou-se melhora estatisticamente significativa com relação às escalas de EVA e ODI na comparação entre pré-operatório e 30 dias depois da cirurgia, sem diferença significativa com relação ao sexo. Não foram observadas complicações peri e pós-operatórias. Todos os pacientes completaram a cirurgia com sucesso e receberam alta após recuperação da anestesia. Conclusão Observou-se melhora significativa da dor e do estado funcional 30 dias depois da discectomia endoscópica percutânea realizada para correção da hérnia de disco lombar, sem diferença com relação ao sexo. Além disso, não foram observadas complicações peri e pós-operatórias, assim como não houve necessidade de internação hospitalar. Futuros estudos, com maior tempo de seguimento, que comparem os desfechos clínicos através das diversas técnicas de discectomia endoscópica percutânea fazem-se necessários. Nível de evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo comparativo

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la intensidad del dolor y el estado funcional antes de la cirugía y 30 días después de la discectomía endoscópica lumbar percutánea. Métodos Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes tratados mediante discectomía endoscópica percutánea, de enero de 2019 a octubre de 2020, en el complejo hospitalario Hermandad Santa Casa de Misericordia de Porto Alegre. Los datos fueron recolectados de los registros médicos electrónicos de los pacientes por dos médicos independientes. Los resultados clínicos se evaluaron mediante la puntuación de la Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) y del Índice de Discapacidad de Oswestry (ODI). Resultados Se incluyeron 46 pacientes en el estudio, con una edad promedio de 52,6 ± 15,8 años, de los cuales 27 (58,7%) eran del sexo masculino. En cuanto a los resultados clínicos, hubo una mejoría estadísticamente significativa en relación a las escalas EVA y ODI al comparar el preoperatorio y 30 días después de la cirugía sin diferencia significativa en cuanto al sexo. No se observaron complicaciones perioperatorias y postoperatorias. Todos los pacientes completaron con éxito la cirugía e fueron dados de alta después de recuperarse de la anestesia, sin casos de reingreso hospitalario. Conclusión Hubo una mejoría significativa del dolor y del estado funcional luego de 30 días de discectomía endoscópica percutánea, realizada para corregir la hernia de disco lumbar, sin diferencias en cuanto al sexo. Además, no hubo complicaciones perioperatorias y postoperatorias, así como tampoco hubo necesidad de hospitalización. Son necesarios estudios futuros, con un período de seguimiento más largo, que comparen los resultados clínicos a través de las diferentes técnicas de discectomía endoscópica percutánea. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio comparativo retrospectivo.

Treatment of upper lumbar disc herniation with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy through two different approaches / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy through two different approaches in treating upper lumbar disc herniation.@*METHODS@#From March 2015 to August 2019, 32 patients with upper lumbar disc herniation treated by percutaneous endoscopic lumbar dicecromy(PELD) were analyzed retrospectively and divided into percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) and percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) group according to different methods. There were 19 patients in PETD group, including 10 males and 9 females aged from 30 to 65 years old with an average of (44.70±12.08) years old;5 patients on L, 6 patients on L, 8 patients on L;6 patients were central herniation, 8 patients were paracentric herniation, and 5 patients were migration of herniation. There were 13 patients in PEID group, including 4 males and 9 females aged from 25 to 55 years old with an average of (42.23±12.09) years old;the courses of disease ranged from 1 to 7 months with an average of (2.90±3.02) months;3 patients on L, 4 patients on L, 6 patients on L;2 patients were central herniation, 4 patients were paracentric herniation, 3 patients were migration of herniation, 4 patients were prolapse free type protrusion. VAS and ODI score before operation, postoperative at 3 days, 3 and 6 months were compared between two groups, advanced MacNab standard at 1 year after operation were applied to evaluate clinical effects.@*RESULTS@#Operation were successful operated in 32 patients and obtained following up without nerve injury and infection of intervertebral space. One patient in PETD groups occurred dural sac tear in operation, but no adverse reaction afteroperation. PETD group was followed up from 12 to 24 months with an average of (15.80±3.48) months, while PEID group was followed up from 12 to 30 months with an average of (16.70±4.66) months, while there was no statistical difference between two groups (>0.05). VAS and ODI score at different time points after operation were higher than that of before operation (<0.05). According to advanced MacNab standard at 1 year after operation, 11 patients obtained excellent results, 6 good, 1 moderate and 1 poor in PETD group;while 7 patients got excellent results, 4 good, 2 moderate in PEID group.@*CONCLUSION@#Both of two surgical approach could achieve satisfactory efficacy in treating upper lumbar disc herniation, PETD is more suitable for central herniation, paracentric herniation and patients with mild displacement, PEID has advantage on prolapse free type protrusion.

Recent research on percutaneous endoscopic treatment of lumbar disc herniation in adolescents / 中国医师杂志

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is one of the most common degenerative spinal diseases in adults and less common in adolescents.The age of onset is less than 21 years old and is defined as adolescent lumbar disc herniation (ALDH).The incidence of ALDH is only 1％-5％.However,with the accelerated pace of life,the incidence of ALDH is increasing.In recent years,the rapid development of endoscopic technology has been widely used in spinal surgery.ALDH's percutaneous endoscopic technique has achieved good results.Compared with open surgery,percutaneous endoscopic treatment can preserve more normal lumbar structures,such as ligaments,muscles,lamina and facets,minimizing the impact on pubertal growth.This article reviews the characteristics of ALDH and endoscopic treatment as an entry point.

Clinical study of Bushen-Tongdu decoction combined with percutaneous minimallyinvasive surgery for the degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To observe the curative effect of Bushen-Tongdu decoction combined with percutaneous minimally invasive decompression for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods A total of 80 patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis were selected and divided into two groups of 40 cases by random number table. The control group was treated with percutaneous transforaminal minimally invasive decompression. The treatment group was given Bushen-Tongdu decoction on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The Japanese orthopedic Society back pain evaluation criteria for waist pain, leg pain and numbness, walking ability, sensory dysfunction, dyskinesia, straight leg raising test score were collected and compared. Results The total effective rate was 95.00％ (38/40) in the treatment group and 82.50％ (33/40) in the control group. The total effective rate of the two groups was statistically significant (Z=-2.357,P=0.018). After treatment, the levels of waist pain score, leg pain and numbness score, walking ability score, sensory dysfunction score, dyskinesia score and the straight leg raising test score in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group(t=-2.180, -2.059, -1.985, -2.177, -2.045, -2.238, P<0.05).Conclusions The Bushen-Tongdu decoction combined with percutaneous minimally invasive decompression can reduce pain, improve walking ability, improve sensory and motor dysfunction, and improve clinical efficacy of the patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.

Recent research on percutaneous endoscopic treatment of lumbar disc herniation in adolescents / 中国医师杂志

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is one of the most common degenerative spinal diseases in adults and less common in adolescents. The age of onset is less than 21 years old and is defined as adolescent lumbar disc herniation (ALDH). The incidence of ALDH is only 1%-5%. However, with the accelerated pace of life, the incidence of ALDH is increasing. In recent years, the rapid development of endoscopic technology has been widely used in spinal surgery. ALDH's percutaneous endoscopic technique has achieved good results. Compared with open surgery, percutaneous endoscopic treatment can preserve more normal lumbar structures, such as ligaments, muscles, lamina and facets, minimizing the impact on pubertal growth. This article reviews the characteristics of ALDH and endoscopic treatment as an entry point.

Retrospective evaluation of efficiency and safety of an anterior percutaneous approach for cervical discectomy.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficiency and complication rate of a percutaneous anterior approach to herniated cervical disks with or without concomitant foraminal stenosis and/or spondylosis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Recent publications reflect that minimally invasive procedures gain in importance in patients and spine surgeons as they are generally associated with less tissue damage and shorter recovery times. However, for anterior percutaneous cervical discectomy, very little data is available for relevant patient populations. METHODS: Charts from patients with herniated cervical disc confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, mainly radicular symptoms and irresponsive to conservative treatment who underwent anterior percutaneous discectomy were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were asked to return questionnaires that included visual analogue scores (VAS), MacNab score as well as subjective satisfaction data 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were included. There were no neurological or vascular complications; only one patient suffered from transient hoarseness. During the two years after surgery, 9 patients underwent reoperation. 90.5% of the patients returned the questionnaire at 2 years' follow-up. 87.7% of them reported excellent or good outcome, 11.1% rated results as fair and 1.2% as unsatisfactory. On average, arm and neck pain improved significantly by 6.1 points and 5.8 points respectively on a ten point VAS. 94.5% stated that they would choose the same procedure again. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure has proved a safe and sufficient option for symptomatic cervical disk herniations with or without concomitant spondylosis and/or foraminal stenosis.

Necessity of routinely performing foraminoplasty during percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy in treating lumbar disc herniation / 中华骨科杂志

Objective@#To analyze the necessity of routinely performing foraminoplasty during percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PETD).@*Methods@#A total of 412 patients including 231 males and 181 females with an average age of 39.1±13 (20-80) years were enrolled in the present study. All patients were preoperatively diagnosed with single-segment lumbar disc herniation and underwent PETD by the same surgical group. The affected segments were at L3-4 in 32 cases, L4-5 in 289 cases, and L5S1 in 91 cases. Among them, 306 cases had no prolapse, 89 had mild up/down prolapse, and 17 had severe prolapse. MRI sagittal imaging was used to measure the height and width of the intervertebral foramen of L3, 4, L4, 5 and L5S1 segments, the distance between the lower edge of vertebral pedicle and the upper edge of the lower vertebral pedicle and the distance between the point 3 mm to the ventral side of the intervertebral space to the superior articular process. The necessity of performing foraminoplasty was evaluated by measuring the change of intervertebral foramen width using dynamic X-ray and verified during operation.@*Results@#The height of the intervertebral foramen of L3,4, L4,5 and L5S1 segments were 1.99±0.25, 1.89±0.15 and 1.52±0.26 cm, respectively. The width of the intervertebral foramen was 0.78±0.14, 0.75±0.13 and 0.64±0.13 cm, respectively. The distance between the lower edge of vertebral pedicle and the upper edge of the lower vertebral pedicle were 1.14±0.17, 1.05±0.16, and 0.98±0.19 cm, respectively. The distance between the point 3 mm to the ventral side of the intervertebral space to the superior articular process were 1.11±0.31, 1.17±0.20, and 0.95±0.14 cm, respectively. The width of the intervertebral foramen of the L3, 4 and L4,5 segments was significantly greater at the over-flexion position than at the over-extension position (P<0.05). Intraoperative verification showed that 347 cases (group A) did not need foraminoplasty. However, the other 65 patients (group B) needed foraminoplasty, including 31 at L4, 5 segment and 34 at L5S1 segment. One patient in group A and one in group B underwent revision operation due to residual intervertebral disc. At 2 years of follow-up, recurrence occurred in 4 patients in group A and 2 patients in group B. The ODI score and JOA score in group A and B were 18%±9%, 24.2±1.3 and 16%±7%, 23.9±1.3, respectively. There were not significantly different between patients in group A and B (t=1.70, P=0.090; t=1.71, P=0.088). The VAS score of lumbar pain of patients in group A was better than that of patients in group B (P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Most of PETD of L3-S1 segments can reach the therapeutic target without performing foraminoplasty with half-half technique combined with far lateral access technique. Due to the special anatomical position of L5-S1 segment, the probability of performing foraminoplasty during operation is much higher. Performing foraminoplasty or not depends on the preoperative measurement of foramina and verification during the operation.