Cartilaginous endplate avulsion is associated with modic changes and endplate defects, and residual back and leg pain following lumbar discectomy

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 707-717
Author(s):  
Z.Y. Feng ◽  
X.J. Hu ◽  
Q.Q. Zheng ◽  
M.C. Battié ◽  
Z. Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Modic Changes ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Cartilaginous Endplate

Association of time to surgery with leg pain after lumbar discectomy: is delayed surgery detrimental?

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Siccoli ◽  
Victor E. Staartjes ◽  
Marlies P. de Wispelaere ◽  
Marc L. Schröder
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Proportional Hazards Model ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards Model ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Specific Method ◽  
Time To Surgery ◽  
Patient Reported

OBJECTIVEWhile it has been established that lumbar discectomy should only be performed after a certain waiting period unless neurological deficits are present, little is known about the association of late surgery with outcome. Using data from a prospective registry, the authors aimed to quantify the association of time to surgery (TTS) with leg pain outcome after lumbar discectomy and to identify a maximum TTS cutoff anchored to the minimum clinically important difference (MCID).METHODSTTS was defined as the time from the onset of leg pain caused by radiculopathy to the time of surgery in weeks. MCID was defined as a minimum 30% reduction in the numeric rating scale score for leg pain from baseline to 12 months. A Cox proportional hazards model was utilized to quantify the association of TTS with MCID. Maximum TTS cutoffs were derived both quantitatively, anchored to the area under the curve (AUC), and qualitatively, based on cutoff-specific MCID rates.RESULTSFrom a prospective registry, 372 patients who had undergone first-time tubular microdiscectomy were identified; 308 of these patients (83%) obtained an MCID. Attaining an MCID was associated with a shorter TTS (HR 0.718, 95% CI 0.546–0.945, p = 0.018). Effect size was preserved after adjustment for potential confounders. The optimal maximum TTS was estimated at 23.5 weeks based on the AUC, while the cutoff-specific method suggested 24 weeks. Discectomy after this cutoff starts to yield MCID rates under 80%. The 24-week cutoff also coincided with the time point after which the specificity for MCID first drops below 50% and after which the negative predictive value for nonattainment of MCID first surpasses ≥ 20%.CONCLUSIONSThe study findings suggest that late lumbar discectomy is linked with poorer patient-reported outcomes and that—in accordance with the literature—a maximum TTS of 6 months should be aimed for.

scholarly journals Clinical course of pain and disability following primary lumbar discectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1660-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Rushton ◽  
N. R. Heneghan ◽  
M. W. Heymans ◽  
J. B. Staal ◽  
P. Goodwin
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Purpose To conduct a meta-analysis to describe clinical course of pain and disability in adult patients post-lumbar discectomy (PROSPERO: CRD42015020806). Methods Sensitive topic-based search strategy designed for individual databases was conducted. Patients (> 16 years) following first-time lumbar discectomy for sciatica/radiculopathy with no complications, investigated in inception (point of surgery) prospective cohort studies, were included. Studies including revision surgery or not published in English were excluded. Two reviewers independently searched information sources, assessed eligibility at title/abstract and full-text stages, extracted data, assessed risk of bias (modified QUIPs) and assessed GRADE. Authors were contacted to request raw data where data/variance data were missing. Meta-analyses evaluated outcomes at all available time points using the variance-weighted mean in random-effect meta-analyses. Means and 95% CIs were plotted over time for measurements reported on outcomes of leg pain, back pain and disability. Results A total of 87 studies (n = 31,034) at risk of bias (49 moderate, 38 high) were included. Clinically relevant improvements immediately following surgery (> MCID) for leg pain (0–10, mean before surgery 7.04, 50 studies, n = 14,910 participants) and disability were identified (0–100, mean before surgery 53.33, 48 studies, n = 15,037). Back pain also improved (0–10, mean before surgery 4.72, 53 studies, n = 14,877). Improvement in all outcomes was maintained (to 7 years). Meta-regression analyses to assess the relationship between outcome data and a priori potential covariates found preoperative back pain and disability predictive for outcome. Conclusion Moderate-level evidence supports clinically relevant immediate improvement in leg pain and disability following lumbar discectomy with accompanying improvements in back pain. Graphic abstract These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Hybrid Interlaminar Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression in Disc Herniation Combined With Spinal Stenosis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuo-Tai Chen ◽  
Kyung-Chul Choi ◽  
Myung-Soo Song ◽  
Hussam Jabri ◽  
Yadhu K Lokanath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Lumbar Decompression ◽  
Lateral Recess Stenosis ◽  
Endoscopic Discectomy ◽  
The Mean

Abstract BACKGROUND Endoscopic spine surgery is an alternative to the traditional treatment of lumbar disc herniation. However, the traditional technique of interlaminar endoscopic approach is challenging and risky in patients with concomitant spinal stenosis. OBJECTIVE To report a modified technique called hybrid interlaminar endoscopic lumbar decompression as an effective treatment. METHODS Patients with combined lumbar disc herniation and lateral recess stenosis undergoing full-endoscopic interlaminar lumbar discectomy were retrospectively studied. The hybrid interlaminar endoscopic discectomy technique, as well as the use of 2 endoscopes with different diameters, is described in detail. The large endoscope is used for the laminotomy procedure, while the small endoscope is used for the discectomy procedure. The demographics and clinical outcomes of the patients are presented. RESULTS A total of 19 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 46.7 yr. The visual analog scale for back and leg pain improved from 5.6 ± 3.4 and 7.5 ± 2.3 to 1.8 ± 1.3 and 1.8 ± 1.6, respectively (P < .001). The mean Oswestry Disability Index improved from 59.9 ± 21.2 preoperatively to 18.2 ± 8.5 postoperatively (P < .001). The follow-up was 8.2 mo on average. No major complications occurred, but 2 patients reported mild postoperative paresthesia. One patient had an early recurrence and underwent repeat endoscopic discectomy. CONCLUSION Full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy provides excellent access to the intracanalicular herniation site of an intervertebral disc. By using the endoscopic technique presented here, surgeons can safely and efficiently achieve adequate decompression in patients with lumbar disc herniation combined with spinal stenosis.

Transdural Cauda Equina Incarceration after Microsurgical Lumbar Discectomy: Case Report

Neurosurgery ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1449-1449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl F. Kothbauer ◽  
Rolf W. Seiler
Keyword(s):  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Abdominal Wall Hernia ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Neurological Dysfunction ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Gelatin Sponge ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽  
Abdominal Pressure ◽  
Dural Defect ◽  
Nerve Roots

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE Complications usually occur when they are least expected. We present an unusual case of nerve entrapment after microsurgical discectomy. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A patient undergoing uneventful first lumbar microsurgical discectomy developed severe back and leg pain and a progressive neurological deficit during the first postoperative night. Herniation of cauda equina nerve roots had occurred through an unnoticed minimal defect in the dura, which had not caused cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The roots were incarcerated and swollen, and they filled the space of the resected nucleus pulposus. It was presumed that elevation of intra-abdominal pressure and consequent increased intraspinal pressure during extubation led to the herniation of arachnoid and cauda equina roots. The nerve roots were then trapped and incarcerated in the manner of bowel loops in an abdominal wall hernia. INTERVENTION During reoperation, the nerve roots were repositioned into the dural sac. The patient recovered without further complications and without long-term sequelae. CONCLUSION All dural tears that occur during intraspinal surgery, even if they are small and the arachnoid is intact, should be closed with stitches or at a minimum with a patch of muscle or gelatin sponge with fibrin glue. Care should be taken to avoid increased intra-abdominal pressure during extubation. Excessive pain and progressive neurological dysfunction occurring shortly after microsurgical lumbar discectomy or any intraspinal procedure is indicative of possible hemorrhage with subsequent compression of nerve roots. The case reported here provides anecdotal evidence that this situation can also be caused by a herniation of cauda equina nerve roots through a small dural defect that was not evident during the initial operation.

scholarly journals Modified Percutaneous Lumbar Foraminoplasty and Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: Instrument Design, Technique Notes, and 5 Years Follow-up

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (21;1) ◽  
pp. E85-E98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen-zhou Li
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Tendon Reflex ◽  
Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

Background: Conventional percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) with an “insideoutside” technique has 4.3% – 10.3% surgical failure rate, especially in central herniated discs (HDs), migrated HDs, and axillary type HDs. PELD with foraminoplasty has been used for complex HDs. Percutaneous lumbar foraminoplasty (PLF), which is performed with a trephine or bone reamer introduced over a guidewire without a protective working cannula in the original Tessys technique, can quickly cut the hypertrophied bony structure under fluoroscopic guidance, and risk injury to the exiting and traversing nerve roots. Study Design: A prospective cohort study. Setting: Hospital and outpatient surgical center. Objective: To evaluate the outcome and safety of modified PLF-PELD with a specially designed instrument for complex uncontained lumbar HDs. Method: From April of 2007 to April of 2009, 148 patients with uncontained lumbar HDs were treated with modified PLF-PELD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) checkup was performed the next morning after the operation. Outcomes of symptoms were evaluated by follow-up interviews at 3 months, 6 months, one year, and 5 years after surgery. Low back pain and leg pain were measured by visual analog scale (VAS) score (1 – 100). Functional outcomes were assessed by using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria. Result: Follow-up data were obtained from 134 cases, including 14 cases on L3-4, 78 cases on L4-5, and 42 cases on L5-S1. One hundred-eight cases were prolapse type, while 26 cases were sequestration type. Pre-operative symptoms and deficits included nerve root dermatome hypoesthesia in 98 patients (73%), nerve root myotome muscle weakness in 32 patients (23%), and weakening or disappearance of tendon reflex in 43 patients (32%). No case required conversion to an open procedure during the surgery. Low back pain and leg pain were significantly relieved immediately after surgery in all patients. MRI examination showed adequate removal of HD in all patients. VAS scores and ODI values were significantly lower at all time points after surgery than before surgery. The percentage of pain relief in leg pain was significantly higher than that in low back pain (P < 0.01). But there was no significant correlation between duration of the preoperative symptoms and the percentage of pain relief. MacNab scores at 5 years after surgery were obtained from 134 patients. Seventy-five cases were rated “excellent”; 49 were rated “good,” Five patients experienced heavier low back pain, thus being classified as “fair.” Five cases with recurrence were rated “poor.” Preoperative and postoperative (5 years follow-up) related nerve root function status was compared. Sensation and muscle strength recovered significantly (P < 0.01), while tendon reflex was not changed (P = 0.782). No patients had infections. Five patients were complicated with dysesthesia in distribution of the exiting nerve that was all operated at L5-S1. Complaints were reduced one week after treatment with medium frequency pulse electrotherapy. Five cases required a revision surgery after recurrence. Limitations: This is an observational clinical case series study without comparison. Cohort Study Modified Percutaneous Lumbar Foraminoplasty and Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: Instrument Design, Technique Notes, and 5 Years Follow-up From: The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese PLA’s General Hospital Beijing, China Address Correspondence: Zhen-zhou Li, M.D. Associate Chief Surgeon The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese PLA’s General Hospital, Department of Orthopedic Surgery No. 51, Fucheng Road Haidian district Beijing, Beijing 100048 China 86 1068989322 E-mail: [email protected] Disclaimer: There was no external funding in the preparation of this manuscript. Conflict of interest: Each author certifies that he or she, or a member of his or her immediate family, has no commercial association (i.e., consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted manuscript. Manuscript received: 08-10-2015 Revised manuscript received: 12-28-2015 Accepted for publication: 03-28-2015 Free full manuscript: www.painphysicianjournal. com Zhen-zhou Li, MD, Shu-xun Hou, MD, Wei-lin Shang, MD, Ke-ran Song, MD, and Hong-liang Zhao, MD www.painphysicianjournal.com Pain Physician 2017; 20:E85-E98 • ISSN 2150-1149 Conclusion: Modified PLF-PELD with a specially designed instrument is a less invasive, effective and safe surgery for complex uncontained lumbar DH. Key words: Lumbar disc herniation, minimally invasive treatment, foraminoplasty, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy

scholarly journals Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for L5-S1 Disc Herniation: Consideration of the Relation between the Iliac Crest and L5-S1 Disc

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2;2) ◽  
pp. E301-E308
Author(s):  
Kyung-Chul Choi
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Iliac Crest ◽  
Facet Joint ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Foraminal Height

Background: Percutaneous transforaminal techniques for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation have markedly evolved. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for L5-S1 disc herniation is regarded as challenging due to the unique anatomy of the iliac crest, large facet joint, and inclinatory disc space. Among these, the iliac crest is considered a major obstacle. There are no studies regarding the height of the iliac crest and their appropriate procedures in PELD. Objectives: This study discusses PELD for L5-S1 disc herniation and the appropriate approach according to the height of iliac crest. Study Design: Retrospective evaluation. Methods: 100 consecutive patients underwent PELD via the transforaminal route for L5-S1 disc herniation by a single surgeon. The study was divided into 2 groups: the foraminoplasty group requiring foraminal widening to access the herniated disc and the non-foraminoplasty group treated by conventional posterolateral access. Radiological parameters such as iliac height, the relative position of the iliac crest to the landmarks of the L5-S1 level, iliosacral angle and foraminal height, and disc location were considered. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0 – 10) for back and leg pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, 0 – 100%), and the modified MacNab criteria. Results: The overall VAS scores for back and leg pain decreased from 6.0 to 2.3 and from 7.5 to 1.7. The mean ODI (%) improved from 54.0 to 11.6. Using modified MacNab criteria, a good outcome was 92%. Foraminoplasty was required in 19 patients. Iliac crest height was significantly higher in the foraminoplasty group than the non-foraminoplasty group (37.7 mm vs 30.1 mm, P < 0.001). In the foraminoplasty group, the iliac crest is above the mid L5 pedicle on lateral radiography in all cases. There were no significant differences in foraminal height, foraminal width, iliosacral angle, or disc height between the 2 groups. In addition, there were no differences in clinical outcome between the 2 groups. Limitations: This study is a retrospective analysis and simplifies the complexity of the L5-S1 level and iliac bone using two-dimensional radiography. Conclusion: In high iliac crest cases where the iliac crest is above the mid L5 pedicle in lateral radiography, foraminoplasty may be considered for transforaminal access of L5-S1 disc herniation. Conventional transforaminal access can be utilized with ease in low iliac crest cases where the iliac crest is below the mid-L5 pedicle. Key words: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, transforaminal, L5-S1, iliac crest, foraminoplasty

scholarly journals Association of extended duration of sciatic leg pain with worse outcome after lumbar disc herniation surgery: a register study in 6216 patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Joel Beck ◽  
Olof Westin ◽  
Helena Brisby ◽  
Adad Baranto
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Surgical Outcome ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Preoperative Pain ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Pain Duration

OBJECTIVESciatica is the hallmark symptom of a lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Up to 90% of LDH patients recover within 12 weeks regardless of treatment. With continued deteriorating symptoms and low patient quality of life, most surgeons recommend surgical discectomy. However, there is not yet a clear consensus regarding the proper timing of surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the duration of preoperative leg pain (sciatic neuralgia) is associated with patient-reported levels of postoperative leg pain reduction and other patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in a prospectively collected data set from a large national cohort.METHODSAll patients aged 18–65 years undergoing a lumbar discectomy during 2013–2016 and registered in Swespine (the Swedish national spine registry) with 1 year of postoperative follow-up data were included in the study (n = 6216). The patients were stratified into 4 groups according to preoperative pain duration: < 3, 3–12, 12–24, or > 24 months. Patient results assessed with the numeric rating scale (NRS) for leg pain (rated from 0 to 10), global assessment of leg pain, EQ-5D, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and patient satisfaction with the final surgical outcome were analyzed and compared with preoperative values and between groups.RESULTSA significant improvement was seen 1 year postoperatively regardless of preoperative pain duration (change in NRS score: mean −4.83, 95% CI −4.73 to −4.93 in the entire cohort). The largest decrease in leg pain NRS score (mean −5.59, 95% CI −5.85 to −5.33) was seen in the operated group with the shortest sciatica duration (< 3 months). The patients with a leg pain duration in excess of 12 months had a significantly higher risk of having unchanged radiating leg pain 1 year postoperatively compared with those with < 12-month leg pain duration at the time of surgery (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.81–3.21, p < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONSPatients with the shortest leg pain duration (< 3 months) reported superior outcomes in all measured parameters. More significantly, using a 12-month pain duration as a cutoff, patients who had a lumbar discectomy with a preoperative symptom duration < 12 months experienced a larger reduction in leg pain and were more satisfied with their surgical outcome and perception of postoperative leg pain than those with > 12 months of sciatic leg pain.

Patient preferences for treatment of lumbar disc herniation: a discrete choice experiment

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Pravesh S. Gadjradj ◽  
Nicholas V. R. Smeele ◽  
Mandy de Jong ◽  
Paul R. A. M. Depauw ◽  
Maurits W. van Tulder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Anesthesia ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Patient Preferences ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Out Of Pocket Costs

OBJECTIVE Lumbar discectomy is a frequently performed procedure to treat sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation. Multiple surgical techniques are available, and the popularity of minimally invasive surgical techniques is increasing worldwide. Clinical outcomes between these techniques may not show any substantial differences. As lumbar discectomy is an elective procedure, patients’ own preferences play an important role in determining the procedure they will undergo. The aims of the current study were to determine the relative preference weights patients apply to various attributes of lumbar discectomy, determine if patient preferences change after surgery, identify preference heterogeneity for choosing surgery for sciatica, and calculate patient willingness to pay for other attributes. METHODS A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted among patients with sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation. A questionnaire was administered to patients before they underwent surgery and to an independent sample of patients who had already undergone surgery. The DCE required patients to choose between two surgical techniques or to opt out from 12 choice sets with alternating characteristic levels: waiting time for surgery, out-of-pocket costs, size of the scar, need of general anesthesia, need for hospitalization, effect on leg pain, and duration of the recovery period. RESULTS A total of 287 patients were included in the DCE analysis. All attributes, except scar size, had a significant influence on the overall preferences of patients. The effect on leg pain was the most important characteristic in the decision for a surgical procedure (by 44.8%). The potential out-of-pocket costs for the procedure (28.8%), the wait time (12.8%), need for general anesthesia (7.5%), need for hospitalization (4.3%), and the recovery period (1.8%) followed. Preferences were independent of the scores on patient-reported outcome measures and baseline characteristics. Three latent classes could be identified with specific preference patterns. Willingness-to-pay was the highest for effectiveness on leg pain, with patients willing to pay €3133 for a treatment that has a 90% effectiveness instead of 70%. CONCLUSIONS Effect on leg pain is the most important factor for patients in deciding to undergo surgery for sciatica. Not all proposed advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery (e.g., size of the scar, no need of general anesthesia) are necessarily perceived as advantages by patients. Spine surgeons should propose surgical techniques for sciatica, not only based on own ability and proposed eligibility, but also based on patient preferences as is part of shared decision making.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Treating Cauda Equina Syndrome Due To Lumbar Disc Herniation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai-Chao He ◽  
Xiao-qiang LV ◽  
Yong-Jin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Cauda Equina Syndrome ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

Abstract Background In recent decades, endoscopic techniques to treat lumbar disc herniation (LDH) have gained popularity in clinical practice. However, there is little literature on the use of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) to treat cauda equina syndrome (CES) due to LDH. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of PELD for treating CES caused by disc herniation, and as well as to report some technical strategies. Methods Between October 2012 and April 2018, 15 patients with CES caused by LDH at the early and intermediate stages of Shi’s classification were selected as the subjects of study, and underwent PELD. All patients were followed up for at least two years. The patients’ back pain and leg pain were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the MacNab outcome scale. Clinical outcomes were measured preoperatively and at 3 days, 3 months, 6 months and the last follow-up. Results The VAS score for back pain, leg pain and ODI score significantly decreased from preoperatively scores of 6.67 ± 1.05, 7.13 ± 1.19 and 62.0 ± 6.85 respectively, to postoperatively cores of 1.80 ± 0.41, 1.47 ± 0.52 and 12.93 ± 1.03 at the last follow-up postoperatively. These postoperative scores were all significantly different compared with preoperative scores (P < 0.01). According to the modified MacNab outcome scale, 86.67% of these patients had excellent and good outcomes at the final follow-up. Complications included one patient with cerebrospinal fluid leakage and one patient who developed recurrent herniation; the latter patient finally achieved satisfactory results after reoperation. Conclusion PELD could be used as an alternative surgical method for the treatment of CES due to LDH in properly selected cases and appropriate patient selection. However, the operator should pay attention to foraminoplasty to enlarge the working space.

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