Objective To investigate the feasibility, effectiveness, and security of percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery for treatment of lumbar spine disorders with intraspinal ossification. Methods Between July 2008 and June 2016, 96 patients with lumbar spine disorders (lumbar disc herniation or lumbar spinal stenosis) with intraspinal ossification were treated with percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery. There were 59 males and 37 females, aged from 13 to 57 years (mean, 29.5 years). The disease duration was 3-51 months (mean, 18.2 months). Fifty-one cases had trauma history. Ninety-two cases were single segmental unilateral symptom, 4 cases were bilateral symptom. The ossification property was posterior ring apophysis separation in 89 cases, and ossification of the fibrous ring or posterior longitudinal ligament in 7 cases. There were 32 cases of lateral type, 13 cases of central type, and 51 cases of mixed type. The pressure factors, such as nucleus pulposus, hyperplasia of the yellow ligament, joint capsule, or articular osteophyma, were removed under the microscope. Local anesthesia or continuous epidural anesthesia was performed in the transforaminal approach with 50 cases, and continuous epidural anesthesia or general anesthesia was performed in the interlaminar approach with 46 cases. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the degree of leg pain preoperatively and at last follow-up. The effectiveness was evaluated at last follow-up according to the modified Macnab criteria. Results All patients were successfully operated. Via transforaminal approach, the mean operation time was 53 minutes and the mean intraoperative fluoroscopy times was 8 times; and via interlaminar approach was 58 minutes and 3 times, respectively. The mean bed rest time after operation was 6.5 hours and the mean hospitalization time was 4.7 days. All patients were followed up 6-18 months (median, 11 months). Postoperative lumbar CT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction after 3 days of operation showed that ossification tissues of 26 cases were not resected, 12 cases were resected partly, and 49 cases were resected completely. Postoperative lumbar MRI after 3 months of operation showed that spinal cord and nerve root were not compressed. At last follow-up, VAS score of leg pain was 0.7±1.1, which was significantly lower than preoperative score (5.8±1.1) (t=1.987, P=0.025). At last follow-up, according to modified Macnab criteria, the results were excellent in 87 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 4 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 95.8%. Conclusion Percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery for treatment of lumbar spine disorders with intraspinal ossification is an effective, safe, and minimal invasive alternative, and the short-term effectiveness is reliable. Accounting for the treatment of intraspinal ossification, comprehensive analysis should be made by combining clinical symptoms, imaging characteristics, and risk assessment.
ObjectiveTo explore the surgical indications,decompression and fusion method,and fusion level selection of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) and multi-segment lumbar spinal stenosis. MethodsBetween April 2000 and November 2011,46 cases of DLS and multi-segment lumbar spinal stenosis were treated with multi-level decompression by fenestration and crept enlargement plus internal fixation by interbody and posterior-lateral bone graft fusion (5 segments or above).Of 46 cases,25 were male and 21 were female,with a mean age of 70.2 years (range,65-81 years) and with a mean disease duration of 6.4 years (range,4 years and 6 months to 13 years).X-ray films showed that the lumbar Cobb angle was (26.7±10.0)°,and the lumbar lordotic angle was (20.3±8.8)°.The lumbar CT and MRI images showed three-segment stenosis in 24 cases,four-segment stenosis in 17 cases,and five-segment stenosis in 5 cases.A total of 165 stenosed segments included 12 L1,2,34 L2,3,43 L3,4,45 L4,5,and 31 L5 and S1.Visual analogue scale (VAS) score,Oswestry disability index (ODI),and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score (29 points) were employed to evaluate effectiveness. ResultsThirteen patients had leakage of cerebrospinal fluid during operation,and no infection was found after corresponding treatment; pulmonary infection and urinary system infection occurred in 4 and 2 patients respectively,who relieved after received antibiotic therapy; 8 patients with poor wound healing received dressing change,adequate drainage,debridement and suture.No death,paralysis,central nervous system infection,or other complication was observed in these patients.Forty-six cases were followed up 12-72 months (mean,36.2 months).Lumbago and backache and intermittent claudication of lower extremity were obviously improved.During follow-up,no screw incising,loosening and broken screws,or pseudarthrosis was noted under X-ray film and CT scanning.At last follow-up,the lumbar Cobb angle was reduced to (9.8±3.6)°,while the lumbar lordotic angle was increased to (34.1±9.4)°,which were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (t=16.935,P=0.000;t=15.233,P=0.000).At last follow-up,VAS,ODI,and JOA scores were 3.2±1.2,35.5%±14.0%,and 26.6±5.7 respectively,showing significant differences when compared with preoperative scores (8.0±2.2,60.8%±13.3%,and 12.9±3.4) (t=19.857,P=0.000;t=16.642,P=0.000;t=15.922,P=0.000). ConclusionMulti-segment decompression by fenestration and crept enlargement plus internal fixation by interbody and posterior-lateral bone graft fusion is helpful to relieve nerve compression symptoms,rebuild spinal balance,and improve the life quality of the patients.It is a very effective way to treat DLS and multi-segment lumbar spinal stenosis.
Objective To analyze the early effectiveness of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) laminectomy in the treatment of two-level lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Methods The clinical data of 98 patients with two-level LSS treated with UBE between September 2020 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 53 males and 45 females with an average age of 59.9 years (range, 32-79 years). Among them, there were 56 cases of mixed spinal stenosis, 23 cases of central spinal canal stenosis, and 19 cases of nerve root canal stenosis. The duration of symptoms was 1.5- 10 years, with an average of 5.4 years. The operative segments were L2, 3 and L3, 4 in 2 cases, L3, 4 and L4, 5 in 29 cases, L4, 5 and L5, S1 in 67 cases. All patients had different degrees of low back pain, among of which 76 cases were with unilateral lower extremity symptoms and 22 cases were with bilateral lower extremity symptoms. There were 29 cases of bilateral decompression in both segments, 63 cases of unilateral decompression in both segments, and 6 cases of unilateral decompression and bilateral decompression of each segment. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, total incision length, hospitalization stay, ambulation time, and related complications were recorded. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to assess the low back and leg pain before operation and at 3 days, 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. The Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate the functional recovery of lumbar spine before operation and at 3 months and last follow-up after operation. Modified MacNab criteria was used to evaluate clinical outcomes at last follow-up. Imaging examinations were performed before and after operation to measure the preservation rate of articular process, modified Pfirrmann scale, disc height (DH), lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), and cross-sectional area of the canal (CAC), and the CAC improvement rate was calculated. Results All patients underwent surgery successfully. The operation time was (106.7±25.1) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was (67.7±14.2) mL, and the total incision length was (3.2±0.4) cm. The hospitalization stay was 8 (7, 9) days, and the ambulation time was 3 (3, 4) days. All the wounds healed by first intention. Dural tear occurred in 1 case during operation, and mild headache occurred in 1 case after operation. All patients were followed up 13-28 months with an average of 19.3 months, and there was no recurrence or reoperation during the follow-up. At last follow-up, the preservation rate of articular process was 84.7%±7.3%. The modified Pfirrmann scale and DH were significantly different from those before operation (P<0.05), while the LLA was not significantly different from that before operation (P=0.050). The CAC significantly improved (P<0.05), and the CAC improvement rate was 108.1%±17.8%. The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain and ODI at each time point after operation significantly improved when compared with those before operation, and the differences between each time points were significant (P<0.05). According to the modified MacNab criteria, 63 cases were excellent, 25 cases were good, and 10 cases were fair, with an excellent and good rate of 89.8%. ConclusionUBE laminectomy is a safe and effective technique with little trauma and fast recovery for two-level LSS and the early effectiveness is satisfactory.
Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) in treatment of lumbar lateral saphenous fossa combined with intervertebral foramina stenosis via contralateral sublaminar approach. Methods A clinical data of 15 patients with lumbar lateral saphenous fossa combined with intervertebral foramina stenosis, who were admitted between September 2021 and December 2023 and met selective criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 5 males and 10 females with an average age of 70.3 years (range, 46-83 years). Surgical segment was L4, 5 in 12 cases and L5, S1 in 3 cases. The disease duration was 12-30 months (mean, 18.7 months). All patients were treated by UBE via contralateral sublaminar approach. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and the occurrence of complications were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the degree of lower back and leg pain before and after operation; the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the lumbar function; and the clinical outcome was evaluated using the MacNab criteria at 6 months after operation. Postoperative MRI and CT were taken to observe whether the lateral saphenous fossa and intervertebral foramen stenosis were removed or not, and the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal (CSA-SC), cross-sectional area of the intervertebral foramen (CSA-IVF), and cross-sectional area of the facet joint (CSA-FJ) were measured. Results The operation time was 55-200 minutes (mean, 127.5 minutes); the intraoperative blood loss was 10-50 mL (mean, 27.3 mL); the length of postoperative hospital stay was 3-12 days (mean, 6.8 days). All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8.9 months). At 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after operation, the VAS scores of low back and leg pain and ODI scores after operation were significantly lower than preoperative scores and showed a gradual decrease with time; the JOA scores showed a gradual increase with time; the differences in the above indexes between different time points were significant (P<0.05). The clinical outcome was rated as excellent in 10 cases, good in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case according to the MacNab criteria at 6 months after operation, with an excellent and good rate of 93.33%. Imaging review showed that the compression on the lateral saphenous fossa and intervertebral foramina had been significantly relieved, and the affected articular process joint was preserved to the maximum extent; the CSA-SC and CSA-IVF at 3 days after operation significantly increased compared to the preoperative values (P<0.05), and the CSA-FJ significantly reduced (P<0.05). Conclusion The UBE via contralateral sublaminar approach can effectively reduce pressure in the lateral saphenous fossa and the intervertebral foramina of the same segment while preserving the bilateral articular process joints. The short-term effectiveness is good and it is expected to avoid fusion surgery caused by iatrogenic instability of the lumbar spine. However, further follow-up is needed to clarify the mid- and long-term effectiveness.
Objective To summarize the research progress on the nerve root sedimentation sign of lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods The recent domestic and foreign literature in recent years was reviewed. The definition, classification, and mechanism of nerve root sedimentation sign and the relation of nerve root sedimentation sign to diagnosis and treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis were summarized. Results Nerve root sedimentation sign is a phenomena which is found in MRI images of lumbar spine. Its mechanism is mainly increased intraoperative epidural pressure. There are two types of classification and the classification in which nerve root sedimentation sign is classified into " positive” and " negative” is widely applied. It has high sensitivity and specificity in differential diagnosis patients with severe lumbar spinal stenosis and patients with nonspecific low back pain. As for treatment, the nerve root sedimentation sign is related to the surgical disc levels. However, it’s not sure if the nerve root sedimentation sign is related to surgical outcome. In addition, a positive sedimentation sign turns negative after sufficient surgical decompression and a new positive sedimentation sign after sufficient decompression surgery could be used as an indicator of new stenosis in previously operated patients. Conclusion For lumbar spinal stenosis, the nerve root sedimentation sign can be applied as an auxiliary diagnostic indicator, as a guidance for deciding the operated disc levels, and as a postoperative indicator for evaluating the effectiveness.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of one-hole split endoscope (OSE) technique in the treatment of single segment lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Methods The clinical data of 32 single segment LSS patients treated with OSE technique for simple spinal canal decompression between January 2022 and December 2022, who met the selection criteria, were retrospectively analysed. There were 18 males and 14 females, the age ranged from 45 to 82 years, with an average of 65.1 years. The disease duration was 9-72 months, with an average of 34.9 months. The surgical segments included L3, 4 in 3 cases, L4, 5 in 19 cases, and L5, S1 in 10 cases. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative radiation exposure frequency, postoperative mobilization time, and the area of the patient’s lesion segment dural sac before operation and at 1 month after operation were recorded. Low back pain and leg pain were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) score before operation and at 3 days, 3 months, and 12 months after operation; functional recovery was assessed by Oswestry disability index (ODI) before operation and at 3 months and 12 months after operation; the effectiveness was assessed by modified MacNab criteria at last follow-up. Results All 32 patients successfully completed the operation, with an average incision length of 2.05 cm, an average operation time of 88.59 minutes, an average intraoperative blood loss of 46.72 mL, an average intraoperative radiation exposure frequency of 3.84 times, and an average postoperative mobilization time of 11.66 hours. All patients were followed up 12-16 months, with an average of 13.5 months. One patient experienced lower limb numbness, pain, and decreased muscle strength after operation, while the remaining patients did not experience complications such as dural tear or important nerve damage. The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain and ODI in patients at various time points after operation were significantly better than preoperative ones, and each indicator further improved with time. The differences between time points were significant (P<0.05). At 1 month after operation, the area of the patient’s lesion segment dural sac was (123.13±19.66) mm2, which significantly increased compared to preoperative (51.25±9.50) mm2 (t=−18.616, P<0.001). At last follow-up, the improved MacNab criteria were used to evaluate the effectiveness, with 18 cases achieving excellent results, 11 cases being good, and 3 cases being fair, with an excellent and good rate of 90.6%. ConclusionThe effectiveness of using OSE technique for simple spinal canal decompression treatment of single segment LSS is satisfactory, with the advantages of minimal surgical trauma and fast recovery.
Objective To summarize the efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal unilateral decompression for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, and to investigate the incidence and possible reasons for lower extremity symptoms of non-surgical side after surgery. Methods The clinical data of 46 patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal unilateral decompression for lumbar lateral recess stenosis between February 2016 and March 2018 were retrospectively analysed. There were 22 males and 24 females with an average age of 56.9 years (range, 21-90 years). The disease duration was 6 months to 12 years (mean, 4.8 years). There were 37 cases of single-segment lumbar lateral recess stenosis and 9 cases of multi-segment stenosis. All patients underwent single-segment surgery, including 2 cases of L3, 4, 35 cases of L4, 5, and 9 cases of L5, S1. For patients with multi-segment lumbar lateral recess stenosis, the single segment consistent with radicular symptom was selected for surgery. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of low back pain and sciatica and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were recorded preoperatively and at last follow-up to evaluate the relief of symptoms. Postoperative symptoms on non-surgical side of lower extremity including new or aggravated radiation pain and numbness were recorded. The surgical effectiveness was evaluated according to modified MacNab score at last follow-up. Results All the 46 patients underwent successful operations without postoperative complications such as wound infection, permanent nerve root injury, and deep vein thrombosis. The patients were followed up 12-37 months (mean, 23.8 months). Four patients suffered from radioactive pain and numbness for the non-surgical side of lower extremities at 1-3 months postoperatively, and the symptoms were improved after conservative treatment without revision surgery. VAS scores of low back pain and sciatica and the ODI scores were significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.01). According to the criteria of modified MacNab scores, 25 cases were excellent, 17 cases were good, 3 cases were fair, and 1 case was poor. The excellent and good rate was 91.3%. Conclusion Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal unilateral decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis would be able to relieve pain effectively and achieve good results. Lower extremity symptoms of non-surgical side may be observed postoperatively. Although the symptoms can be relieved by conservative treatment, further investigation should be carried out for the long-term result of those cases.
ObjectiveTo explore the predictive value of the nerve root sedimentation sign in the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Methods Between January 2019 and July 2021, 201 patients with non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) who met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. There were 67 males and 134 females, with an age of 50-80 years (mean, 60.7 years). Four intervertebral spaces (L1, 2, L2, 3, L3, 4, L4, 5) of each case were studied, with a total of 804. The nerve root sedimentation sign was positive in 126 intervertebral spaces, and central canal stenosis was found in 203 intervertebral spaces. Progression to symptomatic LSS was determined by follow-up for lower extremity symptoms similar to LSS, combined with central spinal stenosis. Univariate analysis was performed for gender, age, visual analogue scale (VAS) score for low back pain at initial diagnosis, treatment, dural sac cross-sectional area at each intervertebral space, number of spinal stenosis segments, lumbar spinal stenosis grade, positive nerve root sedimentation sign, and number of positive segments between patients in the progression group and non-progression group, and logistic regression analysis was further performed to screen the risk factors for progression to symptomatic LSS in patients with NS-LBP. ResultsAll patients were followed up 17-48 months, with an average of 32 months. Of 201 patients with NS-LBP, 35 progressed to symptomatic LSS. Among them, 33 cases also had central spinal stenosis, which was defined as NS-LBP progressing to symptomatic LSS (33 cases in progression group, 168 cases in non-progression group). Univariate analysis showed that CSA at each intervertebral space, the number of spinal stenosis segments, lumbar spinal stenosis grade, whether the nerve root sedimentation sign was positive, and the number of nerve root sedimentation sign positive segments were the influencing factors for the progression to symptomatic LSS (P<0.05); and further logistic regression analysis showed that positive nerve root sedimentation sign increased the risk of progression of NS-LBP to symptomatic LSS (OR=8.774, P<0.001). ConclusionThe nerve root sedimentation sign may be associated with the progression of NS-LBP to symptomatic LSS, and it has certain predictive value for the diagnosis of LSS.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of percutaneous coaxial large-channel endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (PE-LIF) and minimal invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods The clinical data of 134 patients with single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis who met the selection criteria between January 2019 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 52 cases in PE-LIF group and 82 cases in MIS-TLIF group. There was no significant difference in general data such as gender, age, disease duration, surgical segment, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of low back pain and lower extremity pain, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, hospitalization stay, and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The level of serum creatine kinase (CK) was recorded at 1 day before operation and at 1 and 3 days after operation to evaluate intraoperative muscle damage. The Brantigan criteria was used to evaluate the interbody fusion in the two groups. The VAS scores of low back pain and lower extremity pain at 1 day before operation and at 3 days, 3 months, and 1 year after operation, and the ODI scores at 1 day before operation and at 3 months and 1 year after operation were recorded and compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in operation time and hospitalization stay between the two groups (P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage in the PE-LIF group were significantly lower than those in the MIS-TLIF group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum CK between the two groups before operation (P>0.05), and the serum CK in the PE-LIF group at 1 and 3 days after operation were significantly lower than those in the MIS-TLIF group (P<0.05). All patients were followed up regularly for 1 year. The postoperative VAS scores of low back pain and lower extremity pain and ODI score in both groups were significantly lower than those before operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). At 1 year after operation, 48 patients in PE-LIF group had successful interbody fusion, and 77 patients in MIS-TLIF group had successful interbody fusion. There was no significant difference in the interbody fusion distribution between the two groups at 3 months and 1 year after operation (P>0.05). There were 2 and 3 cases of lower limb numbness, 1 and 3 cases of neuroedema pain, 1 and 1 case of Cage displacement, 1 and 1 case of pedicle screw loosening in the PE-LIF group and MIS-TLIF group, respectively. No infection or dural sac tearing occurred in the two groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (9.6% vs. 9.8%) (χ2=0.001, P=0.979). ConclusionIn the treatment of single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, PE-LIF can achieve similar effectiveness as MIS-TLIF, and PE-LIF has less intraoperative blood loss and less muscle damage.
Objective To explore decompression strategies for lateral lumbar spinal stenosis under unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) assistance. Methods A clinical data of 86 patients with lateral lumbar stenosis treated with UBE-assisted intervertebral decompression between September 2022 and December 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 42 males and 44 females with an average age of 63.6 years (range, 45-79 years). The disease duration ranged from 6 to 14 months (mean, 8.5 months). Surgical levels included L2, 3 in 3 cases, L3, 4 in 26 cases, L4, 5 in 42 cases, and L5, S1 in 15 cases. According to Lee’s grading system, there were 21 cases of grade 1, 37 cases of grade 2, and 28 cases of grade 3 for lumbar spinal stenosis. Based on the location of stenosis and clinical symptoms, the 33 cases underwent interlaminar approach, 7 cases underwent interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision, 26 cases underwent contralateral inclinatory approach, and 20 cases underwent paraspinal approach; then, the corresponding decompression procedures were performed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate lower back/leg pain before operation and at 1 and 3 months after operation, while Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate spinal function. At 3 months after operation, the effectiveness was evaluated using the modified MacNab evaluation criteria. The spinal stenosis and decompression were evaluated based on Lee’s grading system using lumbar MRI before operation and at 3 months after operation. ResultsAll procedures were successfully completed with mean operation time of 95.1 minutes (range, 57-166 minutes). Dural tears occurred in 2 cases treated with interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 3-10 months (mean, 5.9 months). The clinical symptoms of the patients relieved to varying degrees. The VAS scores and ODI of lower back and leg pain at 1 and 3 months after operation significantly improved compared to preoperative levels (P<0.05), and the indicators at 3 months significantly improved than that at 1 month (P<0.05). According to the modified MacNab evaluation criteria, the effectiveness at 3 months after operation was rated as excellent in 52 cases, good in 21 cases, and poor in 13 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 84.9%. No lumbar instability was detected on flexion-extension X-ray films during follow-up. The Lee’s grading of lateral lumbar stenosis at 2 days after operation showed significant improvement compared to preoperative grading (P<0.05). ConclusionFor lateral lumbar spinal stenosis, UBE-assisted decompression of the spinal canal requires the selection of interlaminar approach, interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision, contralateral inclinatory approach, and paraspinal approach based on preoperative imaging findings and clinical symptoms to achieve better effectiveness.