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.

Anterior percutaneous full-endoscopic transcorporeal decompression of the spinal cord via one vertebra with two bony channels for adjacent two-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a technical note.

BACKGROUND: The current treatments for adjacent two-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) include two-segment anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and single-segment anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). Long-term follow-up has demonstrated that both procedures have complications such as reduced cervical mobility, accelerated degeneration of adjacent segments and loosening of internal fixation screws. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of anterior percutaneous full-endoscopic transcorporeal decompression of the spinal cord (APFETDSC) via one vertebra with two bony channels for the treatment of adjacent two-segment CSM and to present our surgical experience. METHODS: Anterior percutaneous full-endoscopic transcorporeal decompression of the spinal cord (APFETDSC) via one vertebra with two bony channels was performed for 12 patients with adjacent two-segment CSM with follow-up care for at least 12 months. The Visual analog scale (VAS) and the Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (JOA) were recorded, and modified Macnab criteria were used to evaluate the treatment excellence rate. Radiological examinations, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were used to evaluate spinal cord decompression, intervertebral stability and healing of the bony channel. RESULTS: All 12 patients completed the operation successfully. No postoperative complications, such as dysphagia, Horner's syndrome, or laryngeal recurrent nerve palsy, were found. The postoperative VAS and JOA scores were significantly improved compared with those before surgery(P < 0.001). According to the modified Macnab criteria, the clinical outcome was excellent in 8 cases, good in 3 cases and fine in 1 case at the final follow-up and the excellent and good rate was 91.7%. Postoperative and follow-up imaging showed significant spinal cord decompression, well-healed bony channels and no cervical instability. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first report of anterior percutaneous full-endoscopic transcorporeal decompression of the spinal cord via one vertebra with two bony channels. This procedure has the advantages of less trauma, faster recovery, fewer complications and no need to implant internal fixators. This is a minimally invasive, feasible and safe surgical procedure for patients with adjacent two-segment CSM.

Shaeer's Punch Technique: Transcorporeal Peyronie's Plaque Surgery and Penile Prosthesis Implantation.

BACKGROUND: Penile prosthesis implantation in cases of severe Peyronie's disease may require plaque excision/incision and grafting, which may require mobilization of the neurovascular bundle or urethra, posing the risks of penile hyposensitivity or urethral injury, and is time-consuming, possibly increasing infection risk. AIM: Evaluating transcorporeal debulking of Peyronie's plaques by "Shaeer's punch technique." METHODS: Penile prosthesis implantation and punch technique (PPI-Punch) was performed for 26 patients. After corporotomy and dilatation, Peyronie's plaques were punched out from within the corpora cavernosa using the punch forceps, and then a penile prosthesis was implanted. Comparison to a matching retrospective group of 18 patients operated upon by plaque excision-grafting and penile prosthesis implantation was performed. OUTCOMES: The study outcomes were straightness of the erect penis, complication, satisfaction with length on a 5-point scale, the International Index of Erectile Function-5, and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Average preoperative curvature angle was 58.1 ± 11.7 in the Punch group and 58 ± 14.8 in the excision-grafting group, p=0.99. After surgery, all patients had a straight penis. No tunical perforations, urethral injuries, or extrusions were noted. Average additional operative time for Punch technique ranged from 5 to 10 minutes (7.3 ± 1.7), in contrast to the excision-grafting group where plaque surgery duration was 50.8 minutes ± 11.1, an 85% difference, p < 0.0001. Septal plaques in the latter group could not be removed. In the PPI-Punch group, penile sensitivity was preserved in all patients, compared with the excision/grafting group, with 7 of 18 patients reporting hyposthesia of the glans. Infection occurred in 1 of 26 patients in the PPI-Punch group, compared with 2 of 18 patients in the excision/grafting group. Satisfaction with length on a 5-point scale was 3.8 ± 0.9 in the punch group, versus 3.1 ± 1.1 in the excision-grafting group, p=0.009. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The proposed technique is minimally invasive and prompt, possibly decreasing the known complications of plaque surgery and PPI including sensory loss. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: One limitation is the inability to accurately measure preoperative erect length in patients with erectile dysfunction with poor response to intracavernous injections. CONCLUSION: Shaeer's punch technique is a minimally invasive procedure for transcorporeal excavation of Peyronie's plaques before penile prosthesis implantation, omitting the need for mobilization of the neurovascular bundle or spongiosum, and hence, there is low or no risk for nerve or urethral injury and brief plaque surgery time. Shaeer O, Soliman Abdelrahman IF, Mansour M, et al. Shaeer's Punch Technique: Transcorporeal Peyronie's Plaque Surgery and Penile Prosthesis Implantation. J Sex Med 2020;17:1395-1399.

Percutaneous full-endoscopic anterior transcorporeal cervical discectomy and channel repair: a technique note report.

BACKGROUND: Compared to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical motion segment and disc was retained through anterior transcorporeal herniotomy (ATH). But surgical field and manipulation in traditional ATH was restricted by the narrow channel. Percutaneous full-endoscopic transdiscal cervical discectomy is a minimally invasive and functional spine surgery. However, significant loss of intervertebral disc height was inevitable. This study was done to illustrate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy and present our surgical experience of percutaneous full-endoscopic anterior transcorporeal cervical discectomy (PEATCD) and channel repair (CR) for the treatment of cervical disc herniation (CDH). METHODS: Four patients with CDH were chosen to undergo PEATCD and CR with a follow-up care for at least 22 months. The visual analogue score (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), and modified Macnab criteria were recorded during the postoperative periods. CT images were obtained to observe the healing of the channel at 1 week and 3 months after the operation. RESULTS: The average operating time was 83.75 min. Drainage tubes were unnecessary. No procedure-related complications occurred. The postoperative VAS and JOA scores were improved compared to those of the preoperative assessment. The clinical efficacy was excellent in 3 patients and good in 1 patient at final follow up stage according to the modified Macnab criteria. The hernia was removed completely in all patients according to postoperative MRI. Migration of the repair implementation and collapse of the drilled vertebrae were not observed during the postoperative periods. The bony channel was nearly absent on CT images obtained at 3 months postoperative. CONCLUSION: This is the first time that the anterior transcorporeal cervical discectomy and CR have been performed simultaneously under endoscopy. Less damage to disc and the retained cervical motion segment were achieved through this method. This is a feasible, safe, and minimally invasive procedure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Numbers: ChiCTR1800016383 . Registered 29 may 2018. Retrospectively registered. TRIAL REGISTRY: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

A Model of Transcorporeal Communication: Communication Toward/With/to the Deceased.

Research indicates that people maintain a connection with deceased loved ones, which can be healthy for the bereaved individuals. To maintain these bonds, people readily admit to communicating with the deceased. Although communication with the deceased shares similarities with traditional models of interpersonal communication, it is distinctly different. Interviews with 20 individuals revealed support for a model of transcorporeal communication, communication to people who do not maintain a physical presence. This communication includes the components of sender, inner representation of the deceased as receiver, message, feedback based on what the sender believes the deceased would say, and a metaphysical element. Implications of transcorporeal communication for griefwork are also discussed.

Minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy versus the anterior transcorporeal approach for cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical decompression is often indicated for symptomatic cases of cervical radiculopathy. In the cervical spine, minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy (MIS-PCF) and the anterior transcorporeal approach (ATCA) are modern techniques available to surgeons. This systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis aimed to assess surgical and patient-reported outcomes of MIS-PCF and ATCA for cervical radiculopathy. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using 1) Ovid; 2) Epub Ahead of Print and In-Process, In-Data-Review & Other Non-Indexed Citations; and 3) Scopus databases, which reported outcomes following cervical decompression using MIS-PCF or the ATCA. Specifically, baseline characteristics, operative outcomes, and changes in visual analog scale (VAS) neck pain score were assessed. The quality of the studies was graded using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. RESULTS: Forty studies with 1661 patients were identified. The comparative analysis of both techniques revealed no significant differences in complication (7%, 95% CI 5%-10%, p = 0.75) or reoperation rates (5%, 95% CI 3%-7%, p = 0.41). Additionally, there were no significant differences in estimated blood loss (55.39, 95% CI 44.62-66.16 ml, p = 0.55) or operative time (85.15, 95% CI 65.38-104.92 minutes, p = 0.05). The ATCA showed significantly greater improvement (p < 0.01) in VAS neck pain scores following surgery (ATCA point reduction 6.7, 95% CI 6.0-7.5 points vs MIS-PCF 3.0, 95% CI 1.0-5.0 points). CONCLUSIONS: The ATCA and MIS-PCF are effective modern techniques for the surgical treatment of radiculopathy. Both approaches showed comparable postoperative outcomes, including complication and reoperation rates. However, the ATCA was shown to provide significantly greater improvement in VAS neck pain scores.

Surgical Essentials and 2-Year Follow-Up Results of Channel Repair in Endoscopic Transcorporeal Discectomy for Cervical Disc Herniation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term outcomes and surgical essentials of channel repair in endoscopic transcorporeal discectomy for cervical disc herniation. METHODS: From October 2019 to March 2020, 24 patients with cervical disc herniation underwent channel repair after percutaneous full-endoscopic anterior transcorporeal cervical discectomy. Five interventions were performed at C3-C4, 11 were performed at C4-C5, and 8 were performed at C5-C6. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by Neck Disability Index, Japanese Orthopaedic Association, and visual analog scale scores. Radiologic changes were evaluated with intervertebral disc height and drilled vertebral height. RESULTS: All procedures were completed with a mean operating time of 86.40 ± 8.19 minutes. Swollen neck was observed in 5 patients, which resolved within 2 hours. At the final follow-up, Neck Disability Index, Japanese Orthopaedic Association, and visual analog scale scores were improved significantly compared with preoperative assessments (P < 0.05); intervertebral disc height was decreased significantly (P < 0.05); and loss of drilled vertebral height was not significant (P > 0.05). All 24 bony channels disappeared by 3 months postoperatively. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous full-endoscopic anterior transcorporeal cervical discectomy with channel repair offers a minimally invasive and effective treatment option for patients with cervical disc herniation. This technique demonstrates favorable clinical outcomes, including preservation of cervical spine mobility and minimal complications. Although there was a significant loss of intervertebral disc height, no vertebral collapse occurred. Strict adherence to surgical indications and precautions is crucial for successful outcomes. Further research and long-term studies are required to validate the efficacy and safety of this approach in a larger patient population.

Percutaneous Fully-endoscopic Anterior Transcorporeal Procedure for the Treatment of Isolated Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: With the development of spinal endoscopic techniques, on the basis of our previous experience in treating various types of cervical disc herniation with this endoscopic technique, we took the lead in applying the percutaneous fully endoscopic anterior transcorporeal procedure to be utilized in the treatment of the isolated cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old male patient who weighed 57 kg, with a height of 169 cm was admitted to the hospital on September 16, 2021 because of recurrent pain and numbness in the neck, shoulder, and right arm for 2 years, which as aggravated for the last 2 weeks. Two years ago, the patient developed neck and shoulder pain accompanied by right arm pain without obvious predisposing factors, and numbness in the first web space of the right hand. In the last 2 weeks, he had difficulty moving the right arm, but no pain or numbness in the contralateral arm. MRI and CT scans demonstrated that the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical 5/6 vertebrae with spinal canal stenosis and seriously compressed the spinal cord patient was treated with a percutaneous fully endoscopic anterior transcorporeal procedure. CONCLUSION: Our percutaneous fully endoscopic anterior transcorporeal procedure is a feasible, minimally invasive surgery for treating isolated ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine.

Anterior Full-endoscopic Single-port Double Transcorporeal Spinal Cord Decompression for Noncontinuous Two-segment Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Technical Note.

OBJECTIVE: In clinical practice, noncontinuous two-segment spinal cord cervical spondylosis is a particular form of cervical degenerative disease. Traditional anterior open surgery frequently comes with severe trauma, risks, and debatable treatment options. This study aimed to describe for the first time a novel minimally invasive technique, namely, anterior full-endoscopic single-port double transcorporeal spinal cord decompression for the treatment of patients with noncontinuous two-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHOD: From February 2020 to May 2021, five patients with noncontinuous two-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy were treated with anterior full-endoscopic single-port double transcorporeal spinal cord decompression. Two bone channels were established by the trephine through the vertebral body oblique upward and downward to the herniated disc osteophyte complex, and the full-endoscopic system could decompress the spinal cord through the channels. All cases were followed up for over 2 years. The modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score before and after operation and during follow-up were used to evaluate the clinical effectiveness. Radiological examinations, including CT and MRI, were utilized to evaluate the efficacy of spinal cord decompression and bone channel repair. RESULTS: All operations were successfully completed and the average operation time was 185 min, with no operation-related complications. Compared with the preoperative evaluation, the mJOA score and VAS score were improved at each time point after operation and follow-up. Postoperative CT and MRI scans showed that the intervertebral disc-osteophyte complex was removed through the vertebral bone passage, and the spinal cord was fully decompressed. After 24 months of follow-up, CT and MRI scans showed that the bone channel was almost repaired and healed. CONCLUSION: Anterior full-endoscopic single-port double transcorporeal spinal cord decompression is an effective minimally invasive technique for noncontinuous two-segment cervical spondylosis. It provides precise and satisfactory spinal cord decompression under endoscopic visualization with minimum trauma.

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.

Corrigendum: Comparative Analysis of the Biomechanics Characteristics After Different Minimally Invasive Surgeries for Cervical Spondylopathy: A Finite Element Analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.772853.].

Outcomes and technical issues of transcorporeal anterior cervical microforaminotomy in patients with cervical brachialgia.

INTRODUCTION: Transcorporeal anterior cervical microforaminotomy is a motion-preserving surgery. It addresses directly to the prolapsed disc in contrast to posterior laminoforaminotomy and does not affect facet joints; in the transuncal approach, there is a chance of vertebral artery injury and it also decreases disc height; hence, may alter the motion of that segment. OBJECTIVE: Aim is to assess the outcome of surgery and its effectiveness. METHODS: A total of 40 patients were observed retrospectively of which 33 were male and 7 were female. A single study of transcorporeal anterior cervical microforaminotomy was analyzed in a private hospital (Comfort Hospital), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Patients having pure brachialgia who were not relieved by conservative treatment over 6-8 weeks in cervical disc prolapse were included in the study. Patients having more than one level of disease, features of myelopathy, or instability were excluded from the study. RESULTS: All patients were pain-free postoperatively, although after one to two months 2 out of 40 patients developed brachialgia and required anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. CONCLUSION: Transcorporeal microforaminotomy for brachialgia is a safe and effective approach that is motion preserving and minimally invasive as well.

Percutaneous Full-Endoscopic Anterior Transcorporeal Cervical Discectomy for the Treatment of Cervical Disc Herniation: Surgical Design and Results.

BACKGROUND: Studies that focus on percutaneous full-endoscopic anterior transcorporeal cervical discectomy (PEATCD) have rarely been reported. Therefore, the available data on the surgical design of PEATCD and related clinical outcomes are very limited. OBJECTIVES: To design a surgical plan for PEATCD and to evaluate its clinical efficacy in clinical application. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A center for spine surgery, rehabilitation department and pain medicine. METHODS: Based on the size and precise location of the disc protrusions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the diameter and direction of the bone channel were designed to make a surgical plan for PEATCD. A total of 26 patients with central/paracentral cervical disc herniation (CDH) who underwent PEATCD through the designed surgical plan from October 2015 to September 2016 were enrolled in the retrospective study. Clinical outcome evaluations included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, and the modified Macnab criteria. Radiologic follow-up included cervical computerized tomography (CT) and MRI evaluations. RESULTS: The diameter of the designed bone channel was about 7.5 mm, and the direction was from the upper edge of the lower endplate obliquely toward the disc protrusion. Through the designed surgical plan, 26 cases of discectomy were successfully completed. The average operation time was 91.50 ± 16.80 min, and the average hospital stay was 4.07 ± 0.84 days. All patients were followed for an average of 19.61 ± 4.04 months. The postoperative VAS and JOA scores were significantly improved compared with the preoperative scores (P < 0.0001). Clinical efficacy at the final follow-up was evaluated by the modified Macnab criteria, and the excellent and good rate was 92.31%. Postoperative MRI showed that the disc protrusion was completely removed, and CT showed no collapse of the vertebral body. LIMITATIONS: This study has several limitations, including the lack of a control group, the small sample size, and the unavoidable nature of the single-center study design. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the size and location of the disc protrusion on MRI, the diameter and direction of the bone channel are designed, which is conducive to have enough space under the full-endoscopic field of view to completely expose and remove the disc protrusion, to avoid residuals, and to ensure that PEATCD achieves good therapeutic results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900027820).

A Novel Technique of Endoscopic Anterior Transcorporeal Approach with Channel Repair for Adjacent Segment Disease After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

OBJECTIVE: To first report the application of percutaneous full-endoscopic anterior transcorporeal cervical discectomy (PEATCD) with channel repair for a patient with adjacent segment disease (ASD) after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. METHODS: PEATCD with channel repair was performed for a patient with ASD at the cranial level adjacent to previous fusion at the C5-C6 level. The pre- and postoperative clinical symptoms were evaluated with Japanese Orthopedic Association and visual analog scale (VAS). The radiological examinations included magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and plain radiographs, which were used to evaluate the cervical alignment, stability, intraoperative decompression, and bony channel. RESULTS: The procedure was successfully completed within 70 minutes. The drainage tube was unnecessary. No surgery-related complications were recorded. The postoperative neck pain immediately improved to VAS 3 from preoperative VAS 6. The Japanese Orthopedic Association scores also took a turn for the better gradually from preoperative 10 to final 16 (improvement rate 85.7%). The muscle power recovered completely, and the Hoffman sign turned to negative during follow-up periods. Magnetic resonance imaging 1 week postoperatively showed a total removal of the herniation. The bony channel was almost disappeared on computed tomography images 3 months postoperatively. During postoperative periods, no relapse, channel collapse, bone plug migration, or instability was observed. CONCLUSION: As a novel and supplemental procedure for ASD after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, PEATCD combines the advantages of transcorporeal approach and endoscopy together, which decreases iatrogenic damage to disc, preserves the cervical motion segment, and reduces surgical trauma. As the limitations of 1 case show, the effectiveness and reliability of PEATCD for patients with ASD should be verified in further studies.

Fully endoscopic cervical spine surgery: What does the future hold?

Fully endoscopic cervical spine surgery is an emerging novel approach to address cervical spinal pathology. Techniques, both anterior and posterior have been adapted to address various cervical pathologies. The primary goal of these procedures like other open techniques is to surgically decompress the canal centrally and/or along the foramen. The narrative review aims to provide the reader an overview of the rapidly advancing field of endoscopic cervical spinal surgery and evaluate whether these newer approaches could potentially reduce the cost and the risk associated with instrumented cervical fusion.

Comparative Analysis of the Biomechanical Characteristics After Different Minimally Invasive Surgeries for Cervical Spondylopathy: A Finite Element Analysis.

Minimally invasive surgeries, including posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy (PECF), microsurgical anterior cervical foraminotomy (MACF), anterior transdiscal approach of endoscopic cervical discectomy (ATd-ECD), and anterior transcorporeal approach of endoscopic cervical discectomy (ATc-ECD), have obtained positive results for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Nonetheless, there is a lack of comparison among them regarding their biomechanical performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biomechanical changes of operated and adjacent segments after minimally invasive surgeries compared to a normal cervical spine. A three-dimensional model of normal cervical vertebrae C3-C7 was established using finite element analysis. Afterwards, four surgical models (PECF, MACF, ATd-ECD, and ATc-ECD) were constructed on the basis of the normal model. Identical load conditions were applied to simulate flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation of the cervical spine. We calculated the range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), annulus fibrosus pressure (AFP), uncovertebral joints contact pressure (CPRESS), and facet joints CPRESS under different motions. For all circumstances, ATc-ECD was close to the normal cervical spine model, whereas ATd-ECD significantly increased ROM and joints CPRESS and decreased IDP in the operated segment. PECF increased more the operated segment ROM than did the MACF, but the MACF obtained maximum IDP and AFP. Except for ATc-ECD, the other models increased joints CPRESS of the operated segment. For adjacent segments, ROM, IDP, and joints CPRESS showed a downward trend in all models. All models showed good biomechanical stability. With their combination biomechanics, safety, and conditions of application, PECF and ATc-ECD could be appropriate choices for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

Transcorporeal Tunnel Approach for Cervical Radiculopathy and Myelopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The transcorporeal tunnel approach is a relatively new alternative of anterior cervical decompression and fusion for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, with its main presumed advantage being the preservation of the intervertebral space. The aim of the present article is to present the outcomes of the systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the short-term outcomes of this surgical technique. METHODS: A systematic review and a meta-analysis using the random-effects method of the available studies were performed to assess the safety and efficiency of the transcorporeal tunnel approach for cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. RESULTS: In total, 15 eligible studies were identified, with a cumulative number of 254 patients. Pooled data yielded a complication rate of 0.053 and a failure rate of the technique of 0.081; a patient-reported favorable outcome of 0.94 was documented. The available data did not allow for a definite conclusion on the effects of the technique on the intervertebral space height. CONCLUSIONS: Although technically challenging, like all minimally invasive methods, the transcorporeal tunnel approach seems to be a safe and efficient option for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, presenting comparable outcome profiles to alternative open or less invasive techniques.

[Clinical study of single-level cervical disc herniation treated by full-endoscopic decompression via anterior transcorporeal approach].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical feasibility of full-endoscopic decompression for the treatment of single-level cervical disc herniation via anterior transcorporeal approach. METHODS: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 patients with cervical disc herniation who received full-endoscopic decompression via anterior transcorporeal approach between September 2014 and March 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 9 females with an age ranged from 32 to 65 years, with an average of 48.5 years. The duration of symptoms ranged from 6 to 18 weeks, with an average of 10.5 weeks. According to the Nurick grading of spinal cord symptoms, there were 2 cases with grade 1, 7 cases with grade 2, and 12 cases with grade 3. Operative segment was C 3, 4 in 2 cases, C 4, 5 in 8 cases, C 5, 6 in 9 cases, and C 6, 7 in 2 cases. The operation time and related complications were recorded. The central vertical height of the vertebral body and the diseased segment space were measured on the cervical X-ray film. The neck and shoulder pain were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score; Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was used to evaluate the improvement of neurological function in patients. The MRI of cervical spine was reexamined at 3 months after operation, and the CT of cervical spine was reexamined at 12 months after operation. The decompression of spinal cord and the healing of bone canal in the vertebral body were further evaluated. RESULTS: Full-endoscopic decompression via anterior transcorporeal approach were achieved at all 21 patients. The operation time was 85-135 minutes, with an average of 96.5 minutes. All patients were followed up 24-27 months, with an average of 24.5 months. There was no complication such as residual nucleus pulposus, spinal cord injury, large esophageal vessels injury, pleural effusion, endplate collapse, intraspinal hematoma, cervical spine instability, protrusion of disc in the same segment, or kyphosis. Both VAS scores of neck and shoulder pain and JOA scores were significantly improved at 12 months after operation ( P<0.05). At 3 months after operation, it was confirmed by the cervical MRI that neural decompression was sufficient and the abnormal signal was also degraded in the patients with intramedullary high signal at T2-weighted image. The cervical CT showed that bone healing were achieved in the surgical vertebral bodies of all patients at 12 months after operation. At 24 months after operation, the central vertical height of the diseased segment space significantly decreased compared with preoperative one ( t=2.043, P=0.035); but there was no significant difference in the central vertical height of the vertebral body between pre- and post-operation ( t=0.881, P=0.421). CONCLUSION: Full-endoscopic decompression via anterior transcorporeal approach, integrating the advantages of the endoscopic surgery and the transcorporeal approach, provide an ideal and thorough decompression of the ventral spinal cord with satisfactory clinical and radiographic results.

Upper endplate nonunion after transcorporeal percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Transcorporeal percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (TcPECD) destroys the integrity of the vertebral body. We herein discuss its long-term risks and avoidance measures. Case presentation: A 44-year-old woman underwent TcPECD. Although her upper limb symptoms were relieved after the operation, the bone channel did not heal and the endplate of the segment was altered. She consequently developed chronic neck and shoulder discomfort. CONCLUSION: Careful preoperative planning is needed to avoid non-healing of the bone channel following TcPECD. The diameter of the bony channel should be as small as possible and the channel should be opened at the posterior edge of the upper endplate to avoid collapse.

Percutaneous Full-Endoscopic Anterior Transcorporeal Diskectomy for Massive Migrated Cervical Disk Herniation Treatment: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: With the continuous advancement of the spinal endoscopic technique in recent years, full-endoscopic operations provide a new approach for the treatment of migrated cervical disk herniation. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 42-year-old man presented with nuchal pain and limb numbness for 2 months, with recently developed symptoms of unstable walking. Physical examination revealed a diminished skin sensitivity to pain and temperature, beginning at the C4 dermatome. The muscle strength of both upper limbs decreased to grade 4, and the muscle strength was grade 4 on both sides of the lower limbs. Hoffmann sign and ankle clonus were positive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated that a large piece of a segmental disk had migrated to the rear area of the C4 vertebral body and seriously compressed the spinal cord. A percutaneous full-endoscopic anterior transcorporeal cervical diskectomy was performed on the patient. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score increased from 8 to 11 points. At 2-year follow-up, the JOA score was 16 points, the improvement rate was 88.9%, and cervical vertebrae MRI, cervical CT scan, and 3-dimensional reconstruction showed that the cervical vertebrae channel healed without vertebral fractures, bony channel collapse, adjacent segment degeneration, or intervertebral space height.