Posterolateral Endoscopic Thoracic Discectomy: Transforaminal Approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Ho Lee

Objective: Symptomatic soft herniated thoracic disc (HTD) before the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was a rare disease with less than 1% of all spinal disc herniation. The frequency of diagnosis of thoracic disk herniation has increased with the routine use of MRI. To avoid high morbidity and complications associated with conventional approach, the authors applied posterolateral endoscopic technique.Methods: From January 2001 to December 2016, 87 patients with non-sequestrated and soft lateral or central thoracic disc herniation underwent posterolateral endoscopic thoracic discectomy (PLETD). Under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation, we removed the herniated disc through thoracic intervertebral foramen after foraminoplasty. The enlargement of the foramen by partially cutting the lateral aspect of superior facet with a Reamer or high-speed diamond drills. Clinical outcome was measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the visual analogue scale.Results: Fifty-one males and thirty-six females, aged 21 to 89 years were enrolled in this study. Mean follow-up period was 10 months (1 to 56 months). The mean ODI scores improved from 53.7 before surgery to 16.9 at the final follow-up (p <0.05). Mean VAS scores improved from 7.3 before surgery to 2.1 at the final follow-up (p <0.05). One patient required conversion to an open procedure for recurred disc protrusion in 17 days. Another one patient required repeated PLETD for recurring disc in l year. Three patients experienced transient low extremity paresthesia but all improved. There were no other serious complications associated with this procedure.Conclusion: Conventional treatment of HTD is known for its high morbidity and complications, posing a challenge to physicians. This PLETD technique for symptomatic non-sequestrated and soft HTD is a safe and effective method that provides a direct route to the lesion under local anaesthesia with less morbidity. 

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Ho Lee

Objective: Symptomatic soft herniated thoracic disc (HTD) before the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was a rare disease with less than 1% of all spinal disc herniation. The frequency of diagnosis of thoracic disk herniation has increased with the routine use of MRI. To avoid high morbidity and complications associated with conventional approach, the authors applied posterolateral endoscopic technique.Methods: From January 2001 to December 2016, 87 patients with non-sequestrated and soft lateral or central thoracic disc herniation underwent posterolateral endoscopic thoracic discectomy (PLETD). Under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation, we removed the herniated disc through thoracic intervertebral foramen after foraminoplasty. The enlargement of the foramen by partially cutting the lateral aspect of superior facet with a Reamer or high-speed diamond drills. Clinical outcome was measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the visual analogue scale.Results: Fifty-one males and thirty-six females, aged 21 to 89 years were enrolled in this study. Mean follow-up period was 10 months (1 to 56 months). The mean ODI scores improved from 53.7 before surgery to 16.9 at the final follow-up (p <0.05). Mean VAS scores improved from 7.3 before surgery to 2.1 at the final follow-up (p <0.05). One patient required conversion to an open procedure for recurred disc protrusion in 17 days. Another one patient required repeated PLETD for recurring disc in l year. Three patients experienced transient low extremity paresthesia but all improved. There were no other serious complications associated with this procedure.Conclusion: Conventional treatment of HTD is known for its high morbidity and complications, posing a challenge to physicians. This PLETD technique for symptomatic non-sequestrated and soft HTD is a safe and effective method that provides a direct route to the lesion under local anaesthesia with less morbidity. 


2000 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perry Black

Object The author describes a technique of thoracic discectomy that has evolved from the posterolateral transfacet and the transpedicular approaches but that spares the pedicle and most of the facet joint. Methods This approach was used to remove a total of 11 discs (T6–12) in seven patients. The follow-up period ranged from 8 months to 3 years. In four patients with axial and/or girdle pain significant improvement was demonstrated. The paraparesis in one patient with myelopathy improved postoperatively; that in another patient improved but recurred 8 months postoperatively. In one patient who experienced preoperative leg weakness, the weakness was slightly increased postoperatively, but this sequela was only transient. There were no other complications, and there were no deaths. Conclusions This technique appears safe and effective. It can be adapted to the conventional laminectomy known to spine surgeons and requires no specialized instruments. Further trials appear warranted.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-337
Author(s):  
Aaron Wessell ◽  
Harry Mushlin ◽  
Charles Fleming ◽  
Evan Lewis ◽  
Charles Sansur

Abstract BACKGROUND The disc location, extent of calcification, limited visualization of the ventral cord, and tenuous blood supply to the thoracic spinal cord pose unique technical challenges when surgically treating thoracic disc herniation. OBJECTIVE To report our initial experience with a series of cases in which intraoperative ultrasound image guidance was used for thoracic discectomy through a unilateral transpedicular or costotransversectomy approach. METHODS Five patients (n = 5) underwent a transpedicular approach and five (n = 5) underwent costotransversectomy for thoracic discectomy. Pre- and postoperative clinical records, operative reports, disc location/calcification, and complications were reviewed. RESULTS There were 6 (n = 6) males and 4 (n = 4) females with an average age of 54 yr (range: 33-74). All patients had symptoms attributable to a single-level of thoracic disc herniation. Discs were classified as central (n = 5) and paracentral (n = 5). Preoperative CT and/or intraoperative visualization demonstrated calcified disc material in 6 (n = 6) patients. Final outcomes data at last follow-up was available for 9 of 10 patients. Eight of these nine patients experienced a return to normal baseline functional status. Postoperative imaging confirmed that no wrong-level surgeries were performed. The mean length of follow-up was 20.4 wk (range 4-48). CONCLUSION Thoracic discectomy with ultrasound visualization via a unilateral transpedicular or costotransversectomy approach is safe and effective for treatment of central and paracentral calcified disc herniations. This tool improves the safety profile of thoracic discectomy and allows for treatment of thoracic discs through less invasive approaches.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (21;1) ◽  
pp. E113-E123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zhang

Background: Though transforaminal endoscopic discectomy has achieved a satisfactory clinical outcome in the treatment of paracentral disc herniation, it has a high failure rate for treating central disc herniation. Objective: To explore the surgical techniques of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in treating central disc herniation and the clinical outcome based on 2-year follow-up. Study Design: A retrospective study. Setting: The Department of Spinal Surgery at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University in China. Methods: Sixty-nine consecutive patients (male:female = 14:9, mean age 38.8 ± 10.5 years) were enrolled in the study, all of whom underwent transforaminal endoscopic discectomy due to central disc herniation. The rod adjustment technique, apex technique, and posterior longitudinal ligament detection technique were adopted for intraoperative individualization. All of the patients were followed up for 24 months to assess the visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. The postoperative segmental instability and recurrence were observed during the follow-up period as well. MacNab criteria scores were recorded both intraoperatively and at the final follow-up; postoperative complications and the surgical outcome and safety were also evaluated. Results: The herniated disc tissues were successfully removed for all patients, without revision by open surgery. Twenty-one cases (30.43%) were rated excellent, 44 (63.77%) good, 4 (5.80%) fair, and 0 (0.00%) poor upon the final follow-up, with an overall excellent-to-good rate of 86.96%. The VAS scores of low back and leg pain were all significantly lower at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively compared to preoperatively (all P < 0.05). The JOA scores at the 3-month and 24-month postoperative follow-ups were significantly higher than the preoperative values (all P < 0.05). The ODI evaluation was significantly lower at 3 and 24 months postoperatively than preoperatively (all P < 0.05). Limitations: The retrospective nature of this study is a limitation, as well as the small sample size and short observation time. Conclusion: The application of novel surgical techniques can help improve the safety and efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in treating central disc herniations. Intraoperative individualized application of rod adjustment technique, apex technique, or posterior longitudinal ligament detection technique is the key to satisfactory clinical outcome. Key words: Central disc herniation, rod adjustment technique, transforaminal endoscopy, minimal invasion, complication


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-Fei Nie ◽  
Kai-Xuan Liu

Thoracic disc herniation is a relatively rare yet challenging-to-diagnose condition. Currently there is no universally accepted optimal surgical treatment for symptomatic thoracic disc herniation. Previously reported surgical approaches are often associated with high complication rates. Here we describe our minimally invasive technique of removing thoracic disc herniation, and report the primary results of a series of cases. Between January 2009 and March 2012, 13 patients with symptomatic thoracic disc herniation were treated with endoscopic thoracic foraminotomy and discectomy under local anesthesia. A bone shaver was used to undercut the facet and rib head for foraminotomy. Discectomy was achieved by using grasper, radiofrequency, and the Holmium-YAG laser. We analyzed the clinical outcomes of the patients using the visual analogue scale (VAS), MacNab classification, and Oswestry disability index (ODI). At the final follow up (mean: 17 months; range: 6–41 months), patient self-reported satisfactory rate was 76.9%. The mean VAS for mid back pain was improved from 9.1 to 4.2, and the mean ODI was improved from 61.0 to 43.8. One complication of postoperative spinal headache occurred during the surgery and the patient was successfully treated with epidural blood patch. No other complications were observed or reported during and after the surgery.


1991 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 754-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eddy Garrido ◽  
P. Noel Connaughton

✓ Forty-one patients with herniated lumbar discs in a lateral location underwent unilateral complete facetectomy for removal of their disc herniation. The diagnosis was made by computerized tomography in all patients. The follow-up period varied between 4 and 60 months, with an average of 22.4 months. All patients underwent dynamic lumbar spine x-ray films with flexion and extension exposures at various times during their follow-up period. The results were excellent in 35 patients, good in three, and poor in three. One patient suffered spinal instability postoperatively and required lumbar fusion because of back pain. Unilateral facetectomy gives an excellent view of the affected nerve root and the herniated disc, and the risk of spinal instability is very low.


2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart C. A. Winter ◽  
Nicholas F. Maartens ◽  
Philip Anslow ◽  
Peter J. Teddy

✓ Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is frequently idiopathic. The authors report on a patient presenting with symptomatic intracranial hypotension caused by a transdural calcified thoracic disc herniation. Cranial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed classic signs of intracranial hypotension, and a combination of spinal MR and computerized tomography myelography confirmed a mid-thoracic transdural calcified herniated disc as the cause. The patient was treated with an epidural blood patch and burr hole drainage of the subdural effusion on two occasions. Postoperatively the headache resolved and there was no neurological deficit. Thoracic disc herniation may be a cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (26) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Rusconi ◽  
Paolo Roccucci ◽  
Stefano Peron ◽  
Roberto Stefini

BACKGROUND Thoracic disc herniation (TDH) represents a challenge for spine surgeons. The goal of this study is to report the surgical technique and clinical results concerning the application of navigation to anterior transthoracic approaches. OBSERVATIONS Between 2017 and 2019, 8 patients with TDH were operated in the lateral decubitus by means of mini-open thoracotomy. An adapted patient referent frame was secured to the iliac wing. The high-speed drill was also navigated. Intraoperative three-dimensional scans were used for level identification, optimized drilling trajectory, and assessment of complete resection. At 12 months follow up, all patients were ambulatory. Seven out of 8 patients (87%) experienced a postoperative neurological improvement. We observed 2 postoperative complications: 1 case of pleural effusion and 1 case of abdominal wall weakness. LESSONS In order to increase the safety of anterior transthoracic discectomy, the authors applied the concepts of spinal navigation to the thoracotomy setting. The advantages of this technique include decrease in wrong-level procedure, continuous matching of intraoperative and navigation anatomical findings, better exposure of the TDH, optimized vertebral body drilling, and minimized risk of neurological damage. In conclusion, the authors consider spinal navigation as an important resource for the surgical treatment of patients with TDH.


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
MURILO TAVARES DAHER ◽  
PEDRO FELISBINO JUNIOR ◽  
ADRIANO PASSÁGLIA ESPERIDIÃO ◽  
BRENDA CRISTINA RIBEIRO ARAÚJO ◽  
ANDRÉ LUIZ PASSOS CARDOSO ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objectives: To present the clinical and radiographic results of patients with thoracic disc herniation treated by the posterior approach, according to location and type of hernia (à la carte). Methods: We evaluated thirteen patients (14 hernias) treated by the posterior approach. Eight (61.5%) patients were male and the mean age was 53 years (34-81). Clinical evaluation was performed by the Frankel and JOA modified scales. All the patients underwent the posterior approach, which was performed by facetectomy, transpedicular approach, transpedicular + partial body resection, costotransversectomy or costotransversectomy + reconstruction with CAGE. Results: The mean follow-up was 2 years and 6 months (11-77 months). Of the 14 operated hernias, six (43%) were lateral, 2 (14%) paramedian, and 6 (43%) central. Seven were soft (50%) and seven were calcified. The transfacet approach was carried out in 5 cases (36%), transpedicular in 1 case (7%), transpedicular + partial body resection in 4 (29%), costotransversectomy in 3 (21%), and costotransversectomy + CAGE in one case (7%). The majority of patients with lateral hernia (5/6) were subjected to transfacet decompression and in cases of central and paramedian hernias, all patients underwent decompression, which is more extensive. Conclusions: The posterior approach is safe and effective, and the best approach must be chosen based on location and type of the herniation and the surgeon's experience.


2019 ◽  
Vol 162 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Djuric ◽  
X. Yang ◽  
A. el Barzouhi ◽  
R. Ostelo ◽  
S. G. van Duinen ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective This retrospective observational histological study aims to associate the size and type of disc herniation with the degree of macrophage infiltration in disc material retrieved during disc surgery in patients with sciatica. Methods Disc tissue of 119 sciatica patients was embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin and CD68. Tissue samples were categorized as mild (0–10/cm2), moderate (10–100/cm2), and considerable (> 100/cm2) macrophage infiltration. All 119 patients received an MRI at baseline, and 108 received a follow-up MRI at 1-year. MRIs were reviewed for the size and type of the disc herniations, and for Modic changes in the vertebral endplates. Results Baseline characteristics and duration of symptoms before surgery were comparable in all macrophage infiltration groups. The degree of macrophage infiltration was not associated with herniation size at baseline, but significantly associated with reduction of size of the herniated disc at 1-year post surgery. Moreover, the degree of macrophage infiltration was higher in extrusion in comparison with bulging (protrusion) of the disc. Results were comparable in patients with and without Modic changes. Conclusion Macrophage infiltration was positively associated with an extruded type of disc herniation as well as the extent of reduction of the herniated disc during 1-year follow-up in patients with sciatica. This is an indication that the macrophages play an active role in reducing herniated discs. An extruded disc herniation has a larger surface for the macrophages to adhere to, which leads to more size reduction.


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