scholarly journals Effect of Lumbar Medial Branch Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation on Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Author(s):  
Trusharth Patel ◽  
Christopher Watterson ◽  
Anne Marie McKenzie-Brown ◽  
Boris Spektor ◽  
Katherine Egan ◽  
...  

AbstractImportanceRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a denervation therapy commonly performed for pain of facet etiology. Degenerative spondylolisthesis may be a co-existing condition; yet the effect of RFA on advancing listhesis is unknown.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that RFA of painful facets in the setting of spondylolisthesis may contribute to advancement of further degenerative spondylolisthesis.DesignRetrospective and prospective, observational study conducted at a single academic center among 15 participants with pre-existing degenerative Grade I or Grade II spondylolisthesis undergoing lumbar RFA encompassing spondylolisthesis level and followed with post-RFA imaging at 12 months and beyond to measure percent change in spondylolisthesis.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was the percent advancement of spondylolisthesis per year measured on post-RFA lateral lumbar spine imaging compared to non-intervention baseline advancement of 2.6% per limited observational studies.ResultsAmong the 15 participants enrolled, 14 completed the study (median age 66; 64.3% women; median BMI 33.5; mean follow-up time 23.9 months). The mean advancement of spondylolisthesis per year after RFA was 1.30% (95% CI −0.14 to 2.78%), with 9/14 below 1.25%.Conclusion and RelevanceAmong patients with lumbar pain originating from facets in the setting of degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent lumbar RFA, the observed advancement of spondylolisthesis is clinically similar to the baseline of 2.6% per year change. The study findings did not find a destabilizing effect of lumbar RFA in advancing spondylolisthesis in this patient population.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trusharth Patel ◽  
Christopher Watterson ◽  
Anne Marie McKenzie-Brown ◽  
Boris Spektor ◽  
Katherine Egan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a denervation therapy commonly performed for pain of facet etiology. Degenerative spondylolisthesis, a malalignment of the spinal vertebrae, may be a co-existing condition contributing to pain; yet the effect of RFA on advancing listhesis is unknown. To the extent that denervating RFA can weaken paraspinal muscles that provide stability to the spine, the therapy can potentially contribute to progressive spinal instability. Objectives To test the hypothesis that RFA of painful facets in the setting of spondylolisthesis may contribute to advancement of further degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods Single-center, prospective, observational pilot study in an interventional pain practice. Fifteen participants with pre-existing degenerative Grade I or Grade II spondylolisthesis and coexisting axial lumbar pain underwent lumbar RFA encompassing spondylolisthesis level and followed with post-RFA imaging at 12 months and beyond to measure percent change in spondylolisthesis. Results The primary outcome was the percent advancement of spondylolisthesis per year measured on post-RFA lateral lumbar spine imaging compared to non-intervention baseline advancement of 2.6% per limited observational studies. Among the 15 participants enrolled, 14 completed the study (median age 66; 64.3% women; median BMI 33.5; mean follow-up time 23.9 months). The mean advancement of spondylolisthesis per year after RFA was 1.30% (95% CI -0.14 to 2.78%), with 9/14 below 1.25%. Conclusion Among patients with lumbar pain originating from facets in the setting of degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent lumbar RFA, the observed advancement of spondylolisthesis is clinically similar to the baseline of 2.6% per year change. The study findings did not find a destabilizing effect of lumbar RFA in advancing spondylolisthesis in this patient population.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. E455-E459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho-Yeon Lee ◽  
Yong Ahn ◽  
Dong Yun Kim ◽  
Song-Woo Shin ◽  
Sang-Ho Lee

Abstract OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous ventral decompression for the treatment of elderly and medically compromised patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present three cases of elderly and medically compromised patients with DLS. Each patient had one or more of the following disorders: diabetes, hypertension, or congestive heart failure. The mean age of the patients was 74.3 years (range, 66–84 yr). All three patients had compressive central canal stenosis on magnetic resonance imaging at the level of DLS. Their symptoms were bilateral buttock pain, leg pain, and back pain. TECHNIQUE: Percutaneous ventral decompression without violation of the posterior bony structure was performed under local anesthesia. After the surgery, the symptoms were relieved in all three patients. There was no further progression of spondylolisthesis or neurological complications during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous ventral decompression is an alternative method of treating DLS in elderly and medically compromised patients, especially when general anesthesia is not recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Yan ◽  
Mingbo Zhang ◽  
Fang Xie ◽  
Jun Ma ◽  
Jing Xiao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is recommended for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. However, data on the clinical role of RFA for benign thyroid nodules in patients with history of thyroid lobectomy are insufficient. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules in patients who had previously undergoing thyroid lobectomy. Methods From May 2015 to October 2018, a total of 20 patients (19 females, 1 male, mean age 49.50 ± 14.26 years, range 22–74 years) with 20 benign thyroid nodules (mean volume 15.04 ± 21.17 ml, range 0.40–69.67 ml) who had undergone previous thyroid lobectomy were included in this retrospective study. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, 12 months after RFA and every 12 months thereafter by ultrasound, clinical evaluation and thyroid function. Volume, volume reduction rate (VRR), symptom score and cosmetic score were evaluated. Results During the mean follow-up time of 21.24 ± 16.41 months, the mean nodule volume decreased significantly from 15.04 ± 21.17 ml to 1.29 ± 1.17 ml (P = 0.018) with a mean VRR of 85.41 ± 12.17%. Therapeutic success was achieved in a single session for all thyroid nodules. The symptom score (P = 0.001) and cosmetic score (P = 0.001) were both significantly reduced at the last follow-up. The levels of free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone were not significantly different at the last follow-up from those prior to treatment (all P > 0.05). No life-threatening complications or sequelae occurred after RFA. Conclusions As a minimally invasive modality, RFA was a safe, effective, and thyroid function-preserving option for patients with symptomatic benign thyroid nodules after a previous lobectomy.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
pp. 734
Author(s):  
Ivona Djordjevic ◽  
Dragoljub Zivanovic ◽  
Ivana Budic ◽  
Ana Kostic ◽  
Danijela Djeric

Background and objectives: For the last three decades, non-operative management (NOM) has been the standard in the treatment of clinically stable patients with blunt spleen injury, with a success rate of up to 95%. However, there are no prospective issues in the literature dealing with the incidence and type of splenic complications after NOM. Materials and methods: This study analyzed 76 pediatric patients, up to the age of 18, with blunt splenic injury who were treated non-operatively. All patients were included in a posttraumatic follow-up protocol with ultrasound examinations 4 and 12 weeks after injury. Results: The mean age of the children was 9.58 ± 3.97 years (range 1.98 to 17.75 years), with no statistically significant difference between the genders. The severity of the injury was determined according to the American Association for Surgery of Trauma (AAST) classification: 7 patients had grade I injuries (89.21%), 21 patients had grade II injuries (27.63%), 33 patients had grade III injuries (43.42%), and 15 patients had grade IV injuries (19.73%). The majority of the injuries were so-called high-energy ones, which were recorded in 45 patients (59.21%). According to a previously created posttraumatic follow-up protocol, complications were detected in 16 patients (21.05%). Hematomas had the highest incidence and were detected in 11 patients (14.47%), while pseudocysts were detected in 3 (3.94%), and a splenic abscess and pseudoaneurysm were detected in 1 patient (1.31%), respectively. The complications were in a direct correlation with injury grade: seven occurred in patients with grade IV injuries (9.21%), five occurred in children with grade III injuries (6.57%), three occurred in patients with grade II injuries (3.94%), and one occurred in a patient with a grade I injury (1.31%). Conclusion: Based on the severity of the spleen injury, it is difficult to predict the further course of developing complications, but complications are more common in high-grade injuries. The implementation of a follow-up ultrasound protocol is mandatory in all patients with NOM of spleen injuries for the early detection of potentially dangerous and fatal complications.


2002 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 559-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. TANIGUCHI ◽  
M. TAKAMI ◽  
T. TAMAKI ◽  
M. YOSHIDA

Eighteen elbows in 17patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were treated by simple decompression using only a 1.5–2.5 cm skin incision with no endoscopic assistance. According to McGowan’s criteria, three elbows were classified preoperatively as grade I, six as grade II and nine as grade III. The mean follow-up period was 14 months (range 3–25). Clinical results were evaluated as excellent for four elbows, good for ten and fair for four. Improvement of symptoms occurred in all patients and dislocation of the ulnar nerve was not observed. Simple decompression through a small skin incision can be recommended for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome, if the indication is appropriate.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 030006052093752
Author(s):  
Kunpeng Hu ◽  
Yufan Lian ◽  
Jinfen Wang ◽  
Wenchao Li ◽  
Zhicheng Yao ◽  
...  

Objective This study was performed to explore the effective management of bleeding associated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of benign thyroid nodules. Methods Thirty-five patients with benign thyroid nodules who were treated with ultrasound-guided RFA from July 2015 to December 2016 at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were retrospectively reviewed. The technique efficacy, bleeding, and other complications were assessed during the follow-up period. Results The mean technique efficacy was 55.6%±22.8% at 1 month and 24.1%±17.1% at 6 months after the procedure. One case of an intranodular haematoma and two cases of voice change (>1 month) were observed. All patients recovered with corresponding treatment. Conclusion Although the incidence of haemorrhage is low, serious haematomas are life-threatening. Therefore, having a comprehensive understanding of the potential complications, an accurate clinical strategy, and adequate technical skills may prevent or help to properly manage these complications.


Phlebologie ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (04) ◽  
pp. 197-200
Author(s):  
A. Brunner ◽  
J. Noppeney ◽  
T. Noppeney

Summary Introduction: In 1998, radiofrequency ablation (VNUS Closure Plus™) was authorised in Germany and Europe for the treatment of superficial reflux. We participated in a clinical registry set up by the manufacturing company in 1998. The aim of this retrospective paper was to analyse the long-term results after radiofrequency ablation. Materials, methods and patients: In 1998, we operated on twelve patients (8 women, 4 men). In accordance with the concept of standard vein stripping surgery, all endovenous ablations were combined with crossectomy or ligature of the saphenopopliteal junction. Each vein was thermally ablated over its entire length and no tumescent anaesthesia was performed. The mean age of the twelve patients was 44.9 years. On ten occasions, the entire length of the great saphenous vein was treated, on one occasion the great saphenous vein at the level of the lower leg and on one occasion the entire length of the small saphenous vein. The mean duration of surgery was 80 minutes. Results: The follow-up period was 3 to 168 months, with a mean duration of 80 months. Six patients were followed up for longer than 120 months. In eight cases, the follow-up examination was performed using duplex ultrasound, in two cases using clinical examination and non-invasive testing, in one case using clinical examination and in one case via a telephone interview.The most frequent perioperative complication, occurring in six cases, was hypaesthesia at the medial malleolus or lower leg. There was one case of perioperative thrombophlebitis of a lateral branch in the lower leg and one case of a third-degree thigh burn with subsequent infection of the great saphenous vein canal. No deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurred in any of the operated patients.Of the eleven great saphenous veins treated, one recanalised after 14 months, the others had closed or were no longer detectable on ultrasound. The small saphenous vein treated was also no longer detectable.In one patient, a major recurrence at the saphenofemoral junction with recurrent lateral branches in the thigh and lower leg were determined 168 months after surgery. No recurrent varicosis was determined in the other patients.


2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. E12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deshpande V. Rajakumar ◽  
Akshay Hari ◽  
Murali Krishna ◽  
Ankit Sharma ◽  
Manjunatha Reddy

OBJECTIVEDifferent surgical approaches have been described for treatment of spondylolisthesis, including in situ fusions, reductions of various degrees, and inclusion of healthy adjacent segments into the fusion construct. To the authors’ knowledge, there are only sparse reports describing consistent complete reduction and monosegmental transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for spondylolisthesis using a minimally invasive technique. The authors assess the efficacy of this technique in the reduction of local deformity and correction of overall sagittal profile in single-level spondylolisthesis.METHODSThis cohort study consists of a total of 36 consecutive patients treated over a period of 6 years. Patients with varying grades of lumbar spondylolisthesis (29 Meyerding Grade II and 7 Meyerding Grade III) were treated with operative reduction via minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in which the “rocking” technique was used. The clinical outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Revised Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for low-back pain/dysfunction. Meyerding grade, pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis (LL), disc space angle (DSA), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS) were assessed to measure the radiological outcomes. These were reviewed for each patient for a minimum of 2 years.RESULTSAt most recent follow-up, 94% of patients were pain free. There were 2 patients (6%) who had moderate pain (which corresponded to higher-grade of listhesis), but all showed an improvement in pain scores (p < 0.05). The mean VAS score improved from 6.5 (SD 1.5) preoperatively to 1.6 (SD 1.3) and the mean ODI score improved from 53.7 (SD 13.1) preoperatively to 22.5 (SD 15.5) at 2-year follow-up.All radiological parameters improved following surgery. Most significant improvement was noted for LL, DSA, and SS. Both LL and SS were found to decrease, while DSA increased postoperatively. PI remained relatively unchanged, while PT showed a mild increase, which was not significant. Good fusion was achieved with implants in situ at 2-year follow-up. A 100% complete reduction of all grades of spondylolisthesis was achieved. The overall sagittal profile improved dramatically. No major perioperative complications were encountered.CONCLUSIONSMinimally invasive monosegmental TLIF for spondylolisthesis reduction using this rocking technique is effective in the treatment of various grades of spondylolisthesis. Consistent complete reduction of the slippage as well as excellent correction of overall sagittal profile can be achieved, and the need for including healthy adjacent segments in the fusion construct can be avoided.


2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. E6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter G. Campbell ◽  
Pierce D. Nunley ◽  
David Cavanaugh ◽  
Eubulus Kerr ◽  
Philip Andrew Utter ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVERecently, authors have called into question the utility and complication index of the lateral lumbar interbody fusion procedure at the L4–5 level. Furthermore, the need for direct decompression has also been debated. Here, the authors report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of transpsoas lumbar interbody fusion, relying only on indirect decompression to treat patients with neurogenic claudication secondary to Grade 1 and 2 spondylolisthesis at the L4–5 level.METHODSThe authors conducted a retrospective evaluation of 18 consecutive patients with Grade 1 or 2 spondylolisthesis from a prospectively maintained database. All patients underwent a transpsoas approach, followed by posterior percutaneous instrumentation without decompression. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and SF-12 were administered during the clinical evaluations. Radiographic evaluation was also performed. The mean follow-up was 6.2 months.RESULTSFifteen patients with Grade 1 and 3 patients with Grade 2 spondylolisthesis were identified and underwent fusion at a total of 20 levels. The mean operative time was 165 minutes for the combined anterior and posterior phases of the operation. The estimated blood loss was 113 ml. The most common cage width in the anteroposterior dimension was 22 mm (78%). Anterior thigh dysesthesia was identified on detailed sensory evaluation in 6 of 18 patients (33%); all patients experienced resolution within 6 months postoperatively. No patient had lasting sensory loss or motor deficit. The average ODI score improved 26 points by the 6-month follow-up. At the 6-month follow-up, the SF-12 mean Physical and Mental Component Summary scores improved by 11.9% and 9.6%, respectively. No patient required additional decompression postoperatively.CONCLUSIONSThis study offers clinical results to establish lateral lumbar interbody fusion as an effective technique for the treatment of Grade 1 or 2 degenerative spondylolisthesis at L4–5. The use of this surgical approach provides a minimally invasive solution that offers excellent arthrodesis rates as well as favorable clinical and radiological outcomes, with low rates of postoperative complications. However, adhering to the techniques of transpsoas lateral surgery, such as minimal table break, an initial look-and-see approach to the psoas, clear identification of the plexus, minimal cranial caudal expansion of the retractor, mobilization of any traversing sensory nerves, and total psoas dilation times less than 20 minutes, ensures the lowest possible complication profile for both visceral and neural injuries even in the narrow safe zones when accessing the L4–5 disc space in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis.


2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoaki Kinoshita ◽  
Isao Ohki ◽  
Kenneth R. Roth ◽  
Kageharu Amano ◽  
Hideshige Moriya

Object. The purpose of this study was to assess radiologically demonstrated results and clinical outcomes in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent posterior decompressive surgery via a new (unilateral) approach. This approach allows surgeons to perform central and bilateral decompression while only stripping the muscles unilaterally, thus preserving the posterior osteoligamentous complexes. Methods. The authors evaluated 51 consecutive patients in whom surgery was performed between 1987 and 1996. The mean follow-up period was 4.7 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the pre- and postoperative measurements in percentage of vertebral slippage. Postoperative dynamic angulation statistically decreased compared with its preoperative value (p < 0.05). Improvement of an average of 67% was shown on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale, and in 78% of these patients, good to excellent results were demonstrated. Secondary fusion was required in only three patients (5.9%). Conclusions. This new surgical technique offers a potential alternative for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis in a minimally invasive manner, avoiding the risk of causing or aggravating postoperative spinal instability.


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