Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy with Foraminoplasty for Down-migrated Disc Herniation: A Single-center Observational Study

Objective Full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy has evolved to be an alternative for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Regarding the techniques, the transforaminal approach remains the primary access. The indications of transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) have expanded following the evolution of the techniques, especially TELD with foraminoplasty. This study is to evaluate the efficacy of the TELD with foraminoplasty for downward migrated lumbar disc herniation. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective study with prospectively collected data in a single center. The study enrolled patients with downward migrated lumbar disc herniation undergoing TELD with foraminoplasty from May 2009 to June 2018. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia. Patients' demographics, clinical outcomes, and satisfaction with surgery were recorded. Results There were 126 patients included in the current study. The mean age was 50.7±17.4 years old. The leg pain and functional outcome scores significantly improved after the operation. There was no neurological deficit or iatrogenic instability requiring fusion surgery. The operation time was within 2 hours in most cases (92%). Thirteen patients reported minor complications, but symptoms were self-limited or responded to conservative treatment. The operation satisfied 94.4% of patients. Seven cases underwent revision surgery within six months due to recurrence. Conclusion TELD with foraminoplasty under local anesthesia can be an alternative for downward migrated lumbar disc herniation. Nerve root irritation can be detected without intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring when the patient is awake during the procedures. The clinical outcomes were favorable and the risk of complication was low with the current technique

Navigation-Assisted Full-Endoscopic Radiofrequency Rhizotomy Versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation for Sacroiliac Joint Pain Treatment: Comparative Study

Objective Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common cause of chronic low back pain. Full-endoscopic rhizotomy of lateral branches of dorsal rami innervating SIJ is a potential option for patients’ refractory to medical treatment. The full-endoscopic rhizotomy is sometimes challenging under fluoroscopic guidance. This study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the navigation-assisted full-endoscopic rhizotomy for SIJ pain. Methods The study was a retrospective match-paired study that enrolled consecutive patients undergoing navigation-assisted full-endoscopic rhizotomy for SIJ pain. The patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and operative parameters of endoscopic rhizotomy were compared with conventional cooled radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment. Results The study enrolled 72 patients, including 36 patients in the endoscopic group. Thirty-six patients in the cooled RFA group were matched by age as the control. The follow-up time was at least 1 year. Patient characteristics were similar between the groups. The navigation-assisted endoscopic rhizotomy operation time was significantly longer than the cooled RFA. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) significantly decreased after each treatment. However, the between-group comparison revealed that the VAS and ODI of the patients after endoscopic rhizotomy were significantly lower than those after the cooled RFA group. There were no postoperative complications in the study. Conclusion Navigation-assisted full-endoscopic rhizotomy is an alternative to SIJ pain treatment. Integrating intraoperative navigation can ensure accurate full-endoscopic rhizotomy to provide better durability of pain relief than the cooled RFA

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma due to rupture of an arteriovenous fistula

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a neurosurgical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. We report a 24-year-old woman who presented with acute onset of paralysis in both lower limbs and sensory disturbance below the fourth-thoracic dermatome. Spinal magnetic resonance image (MRI) revealed an intraspinal, extradural mass is extending from the fifth to the seventh thoracic vertebrae with compression of the spinal cord. Laminectomy of the T5 to T7 vertebrae was performed 12 h after onset. During the procedure, an epidural hematoma with hypervascularization and an abnormal vascular network were observed grossly on the dorsal dural surface. Postoperative angiography and MRI revealed complete resolution of the hematoma and no evidence of residual vascular lesion in the intra- or extra-dural region. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had regained full muscle power and sensation in the lower limbs. There was no evidence of urinary or stool incontinence. The patient had a history of remaining seated for prolonged periods of time, which may have elevated the spinal venous return pressure, resulting in spontaneous hemorrhage due to rupture of the spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula. This case report shows that patients with SSEH can have excellent neurologic outcomes if the condition is treated early with decompressive laminectomy