scholarly journals A comparison of minimally invasive posterior cervical decompression and open anterior cervical decompression and instrumented fusion in the surgical management of degenerative cervical myelopathy

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. E7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed F. Abbas ◽  
Morgan P. Spurgas ◽  
Benjamin S. Szewczyk ◽  
Benjamin Yim ◽  
Ashar Ata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Instrumented Fusion ◽  
Minimally Invasive Surgical ◽  
Neck Disability

OBJECTIVE Minimally invasive posterior cervical decompression (miPCD) has been described in several case series with promising preliminary results. The object of the current study was to compare the clinical outcomes between patients undergoing miPCD with anterior cervical discectomy and instrumented fusion (ACDFi). METHODS A retrospective study of 74 patients undergoing surgery (45 using miPCD and 29 using ACDFi) for myelopathy was performed. Outcomes were categorized into short-term, intermediate, and long-term follow-up, corresponding to averages of 1.7, 7.7, and 30.9 months, respectively. Mean scores for the Neck Disability Index (NDI), neck visual analog scale (VAS) score, SF-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS), and SF-12 Mental Component Summary (MCS) were compared for each follow-up period. The percentage of patients meeting substantial clinical benefit (SCB) was also compared for each outcome measure. RESULTS Baseline patient characteristics were well-matched, with the exception that patients undergoing miPCD were older (mean age 57.6 ± 10.0 years [miPCD] vs 51.1 ± 9.2 years [ACDFi]; p = 0.006) and underwent surgery at more levels (mean 2.8 ± 0.9 levels [miPCD] vs 1.5 ± 0.7 levels [ACDFi]; p < 0.0001) while the ACDFi patients reported higher preoperative neck VAS scores (mean 3.8 ± 3.0 [miPCD] vs 5.4 ± 2.6 [ACDFi]; p = 0.047). The mean PCS, NDI, neck VAS, and MCS scores were not significantly different with the exception of the MCS score at the short-term follow-up period (mean 46.8 ± 10.6 [miPCD] vs 41.3 ± 10.7 [ACDFi]; p = 0.033). The percentage of patients reporting SCB based on thresholds derived for PCS, NDI, neck VAS, and MCS scores were not significantly different, with the exception of the PCS score at the intermediate follow-up period (52% [miPCD] vs 80% [ACDFi]; p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS The current report suggests that the optimal surgical strategy in patients requiring dorsal surgery may be enhanced by the adoption of a minimally invasive surgical approach that appears to result in similar clinical outcomes when compared with a well-accepted strategy of ventral decompression and instrumented fusion. The current results suggest that future comparative effectiveness studies are warranted as the miPCD technique avoids instrumented fusion.

scholarly journals MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY IN THE NUEVO HOSPITAL CIVIL DE GUADALAJARA "DR. JUAN I. MENCHACA"

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 267-271
Author(s):  
MIGUEL ÁNGEL ANDRADE-RAMOS ◽  
YAZMÍN LEMUS-RODRÍGUEZ ◽  
EDGAR FERNANDO ACOSTA-GÓMEZ ◽  
SERGIO VALENTE ESPARZA-GUTIÉRREZ ◽  
FRANCISCO GUERRERO-JAZO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Spine Surgery ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Neurological Status ◽  
Minimal Invasive ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Adjacent Structures

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe our experience on a case series treated with minimal invasive techniques in spine surgery, with short-term follow-up and identify complications. Methods: A prospective analysis was performed on 116 patients operated on by the same team from September 2015 to June 2016. Evaluating the short-term follow-up we registered the surgical time, bleeding, complications, hospital stay, pre- and postoperatively neurological status, as well as scales of disability and quality of life. Demographic and surgical procedure data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 program. Results: A total of 116 patients with a mean age of 49.7 + 15.7 (21-85 years) underwent surgery being 76 (65%) with lumbar conditions and 37 (32%) with cervical conditions. The most common procedures were tubular discectomies (31), tubular bilateral decompression (17), lumbar MI-TLIFs (7), and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (35). The mean blood loss was 50.6 cc, the hospital stay was 1.7 day, pre- and postoperative pain VAS were 7.4 % and 2.3%, respectively, pre- and postoperative Oswestry (ODI) were 64.6% and 13.1%, respectively, pre- and postoperative SF-36 of 37.8% and 90.3%. There were no major complications, except for a surgical wound infection in diabetic patient and three incidental durotomies, one of these being a contained fistula, treated conservatively. Conclusions: The current tendency towards minimally invasive surgery has been justified on multiple studies in neoplastic and degenerative diseases, with the preservation of the structures that support the spine biomechanics. The benefits should not replace the primary objectives of surgery and its usefulness depends on the skills of the surgeon, pathology and the adequate selection of the techniques. We found that the tubular access allows developing techniques such as discectomy, corpectomy and fusion without limiting exposure, avoiding manipulation of adjacent structures, reducing complications and being feasible in a public hospital.

scholarly journals One Year Follow-Up of Patient Reported Outcomes Following Third Generation Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin Osteotomies (MICA) in Hallux Valgus Surgery

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0032
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Lewis ◽  
Robbie Ray ◽  
David Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Third Generation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the short-term results of third generation (using screw fixation) Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin osteotomies (MICA) for hallux valgus correction. There is a paucity of published data regarding the outcomes of this relatively new technique. We present the largest series in the literature, using three separate validated patient-reported outcome measures (EQ-5DL, VAS Pain and Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), for this time point. Methods: A single surgeon case series of patients with hallux valgus underwent primary third generation minimally invasive chevron and akin osteotomies (MICA) for hallux valgus correction. Between August 2015 and January 2019, 430 MICAs were performed in 295 patients that were eligible for 1 year follow up. Baseline and 1 year post-operative patient reported outcomes were collected for 242 feet in 194 patients (182 females; 12 males). Paired t-tests were used to determine the statistical significance of the difference between pre- and post-operative scores. Results: The mean age was 55.9 (range 16.3-84.9, standard deviation (s.d.) 12.5). At one year follow up, the mean MOXFQ scores had improved for each domain: Pain; baseline 41.9 (range 0-100, s.d. 21.8), reduced to 13.8 (range 0-90, s.d. 17.7, p<0.001); Walking; baseline 34.6 (range 0-100, s.d. 24.3) reduced to 9.8 (range 0-89.0, s.d. 18.0, p<0.001); Social interaction; baseline 45.4 (range 0-100, s.d. 22.8), reduced to 8.2 (range 0-75.0, s.d. 14.7, p<0.001). Mean VAS Pain score improved from 29.8 (range 0.0-90.0, s.d. 22.1) to 8.2 (range 0.00-64.0, s.d. 12.8, p<0.001). Mean EQ-5D index score improved from 0.755 (range 0.066-1.000, s.d. 0.136) to 0.891 (range 0.350-1.000, s.d. 0.124, p<0.001). Mean EQ-5D VAS score improved from 83.4 (range 28- 100, s.d. 12.4) to 85.6 (range 0-100, s.d. 14.2, p=0.047). Conclusion: This is the largest prospective case series of short-term patient reported outcomes using a validated assessment method for hallux valgus, following third generation MICA to date. These data show that this technique is effective at improving foot and ankle specific patient reported outcomes at 1 year. This cohort is being followed over the longer term.

The effects of carpentry on heterotopic ossification and mobility in cervical arthroplasty: determination by computed tomography with a minimum 2-year follow-up

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 601-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsung-Hsi Tu ◽  
Jau-Ching Wu ◽  
Wen-Cheng Huang ◽  
Ching-Lan Wu ◽  
Chin-Chu Ko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Segmental Motion ◽  
Artificial Disc ◽  
Analog Scale ◽  
Cervical Arthroplasty ◽  
Neck Disability

Object Heterotopic ossification (HO) after cervical arthroplasty can limit the mobility of an artificial disc. In this study the authors used CT scanning to assess the formation of HO with the goal of investigating the correlation between the carpentry of arthroplasty, formation of HO, mobility, and clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of medical records, radiological studies, and clinical evaluations was conducted for consecutive patients who underwent 1- or 2-level cervical arthroplasty with the Bryan disc. The patients underwent follow-up for more than 24 months. The formation of HO was assessed using CT scanning as the final determination. The perfectness of carpentry for each arthroplasty level was scrutinized using criteria composed of 2 parameters (postoperative shell kyphosis and inadequate endplate coverage). Levels were divided into the optimal carpentry group and the suboptimal carpentry group. Radiographic and clinical outcomes, including the visual analog scale and neck disability index, were compared between the groups. Results A total of 107 levels of Bryan discs were placed in 75 patients (mean age 46.71 ± 9.94 years) and were analyzed. There was a male predominance of 68.0% (51 men), and the mean follow-up duration was 38.56 ± 9.66 months. Heterotopic ossification was identified in 60 levels (56.1%) by CT scanning. Most cases of HO were low grade and did not correlate with the limitation in the segmental motion of the arthroplasty device. There were no significant differences in terms of age, sex, and number of arthroplasty levels between the optimal and the suboptimal carpentry groups. However, the suboptimal carpentry group had significantly more high-grade HO (≥ Grade 2) than the optimal carpentry group (13 levels [12.1%] vs 7 levels [6.5%], p = 0.027). There were also more immobile (range of motion < 3°) artificial discs in the suboptimal carpentry group than the optimal carpentry group (11 levels [10.3%] vs 4 levels [3.7%], p = 0.010). The clinical outcomes (neck and arm visual analog scale scores and Neck Disability Index) in both groups were similarly good. Conclusions Shell kyphosis and inadequate endplate coverage have adverse effects on the formation of HO and segmental mobility after cervical arthroplasty with the Bryan artificial disc. Appropriate carpentry is the more important factor in determining the maintenance of segmental motion. Although the midterm clinical outcome remained similarly good regardless of HO, the carpentry of cervical arthroplasty should not be overlooked. Further studies are needed to clarify the etiology of HO.

scholarly journals Six Month Follow-Up of Patient Reported Outcomes Following Third Generation Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin Osteotomies (MICA) in Hallux Valgus Surgery

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0033
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Lewis ◽  
Robbie Ray ◽  
David Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Third Generation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Mean

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the short-term results of third generation (using screw fixation) Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin osteotomies (MICA) for hallux valgus correction. There is a paucity of published data regarding the outcomes of this relatively new technique. We present the largest series in the literature, using three separate validated patient-reported outcome measures (EQ-5DL, VAS Pain and Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), for this time point. Methods: A single surgeon case series of patients with hallux valgus underwent primary third generation minimally invasive chevron and akin osteotomies for hallux valgus correction. Between August 2015 and July 2019, 478 MICAs were performed in 328 patients that were eligible for 6 month follow up. Baseline and 6 month post-operative patient reported outcomes were collected for 340 feet in 267 patients (247 females; 20 males). Paired t-tests were used to determine the statistical significance of the difference between pre- and post-operative scores. Results: The mean age was 54.9 (range 16.3-84.9, standard deviation (s.d.) 12.8). At 6 month follow up, the mean MOXFQ scores had improved for each domain: Pain; baseline 42.5 (range 0-100, s.d. 22.6), reduced to 16.3 (range 0-100, s.d. 18.4, p<0.001); Walking; baseline 35.5 (range 0-100, s.d. 24.8), reduced to 12.2 (range s.d. 19.1, p<0.001); Social interaction; baseline 45.4 (range 0- 100, s.d. 22.6), reduced to 10.9 (range 0-100.0, s.d. 16.9, p<0.001). Mean VAS Pain score improved from 30.5 (range 0.0-90.0, s.d. 22.1) to 10.5 (range 0.00-78.0, s.d. 14.8, p<0.001). Mean EQ-5D index score improved from 0.752 (range 0.066-1.000, s.d. 0.133) to 0.872 (range 0.122-1.000, s.d. 0.133, p<0.001). Mean EQ-5D VAS score remained static from 82.7 (range 0-100, s.d. 13.3) to 83.7 (range 0-100, s.d. 17.8, p=0.386). Conclusion: This is the largest prospective case series of short-term patient reported outcomes using a validated assessment method for hallux valgus, following third generation MICA to date. These data show that this technique is effective at improving foot and ankle specific patient reported outcomes at 6 months. This cohort is being followed over the longer term.

scholarly journals 218 The Impact on Minimally Invasive Urological Cancer Surgery During the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Boyle ◽  
K Gallagher ◽  
S Leung ◽  
D Good ◽  
S A McNeill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Postoperative Period ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Urological Cancer ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Theatre Staff ◽  
Restricted Use ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Aim Learned bodies recommended restricted use of, or extensive precautions when using, laparoscopic/robotic surgery during the Covid-19 pandemic. We aimed to determine whether minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in uro-oncology patients was safe for patients and staff. Method From 16 March to 16 June 2020, patients having MIS in a tertiary referral urology centre were identified from a prospectively collected database. Patient characteristics, operative details and 30-day follow-up for adverse events were recorded including Covid-19 tests and results. Any theatre staff Covid-19 event was traced back 14 days to determine any involvement in these cases. Results 87 patients were eligible for inclusion (33 robotic prostatectomies, 38 laparoscopic prostatectomies, 11 laparoscopic nephrectomies, 5 robotic nephrectomies). All patients were assessed for symptoms of Covid-19 on the day of theatre. 18(21%) patients had pre-operative screening (all swabs, no CT chest). 46(53%) underwent 14 days pre-operative self-isolation. 38(44%) cases were performed with FFP3 protection. No modification to operating procedure was made for any cases. No patients tested positive for Covid-19 in the 30-day postoperative period. No staff member involved tested positive in the postoperative period. 1 patient tested positive pre-operatively, delaying the operation by 7 weeks. No patients tested positive after the introduction of mandatory screening. Conclusions Based on our case-series MIS urological surgery appears to be safe for patients and staff, with no increased risk of Covid-19 complications in patients who are asymptomatic pre-operatively. The introduction of mandatory pre-operative swabs for elective patients, and the use of FFP3 protection, did not significantly alter results.

scholarly journals Osteochondral Allograft Transplant of the Patella Using Femoral Condylar Allografts: Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Outcomes at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 232596712096008
Author(s):  
Kenneth M. Lin ◽  
Dean Wang ◽  
Alissa J. Burge ◽  
Tyler Warner ◽  
Kristofer J. Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Osteochondral Allograft ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Mri Scans

Background: Fresh osteochondral allograft transplant (OCA) has good outcomes in the knee. However, donor tissue for patellar OCA is limited. Outcomes after nonorthotopic OCA of the patella using more readily available femoral condylar allograft (FCA) tissue have not been previously reported. Purpose: To assess short-term magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and minimum 2-year clinical outcomes of nonorthotopic patellar OCA using an FCA donor. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A prospective institutional cartilage registry was reviewed to identify patients treated with patellar OCA using an FCA donor between August 2009 and June 2016. OCA plugs were obtained from the FCA at its trochlear-condylar junction and implanted into the recipient patellar lesion. Early postoperative MRI scans were graded by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist using the Osteochondral Allograft MRI Scoring System (OCAMRISS). International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form (IKDC), Knee Outcomes Survey–Activities of Daily Living (KOS-ADL), and pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores were collected preoperatively and at minimum 2 years postoperatively, and outcomes were compared using the paired t test. Results: A total of 25 patients were included for clinical outcome analysis and 20 patients for MRI analysis. MRI scans obtained at a mean of 11.4 months (range, 6-22 months) postoperatively showed a mean total OCAMRISS score of 9.0 (range, 7-11); mean bone, cartilage, and ancillary subscores were 2.6, 3.7, and 2.6, respectively. At the latest follow-up (mean, 46.5 months; range, 24-85 months), postoperative improvements were noted in IKDC (from 45.0 to 66.2; P = .0002), KOS-ADL (from 64.3 to 80.4; P = .0012), and VAS (from 5.1 to 3.4; P = .001) scores, with IKDC and KOS-ADL scores above the corresponding previously reported minimal clinically important difference. Conclusion: In this study, patellar OCA using nonorthotopic FCA led to significant short-term improvements in pain and patient-reported outcomes. The majority of nonorthotopic patellar grafts demonstrated full osseous incorporation and good restoration of the articular surface on MRI at short-term follow-up.

scholarly journals Posterior endoscopic cervical foramiotomy and discectomy: clinical and radiological computer tomography evaluation on the bony effect of decompression with 2 years follow-up

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pang Hung Wu ◽  
Hyeun Sung Kim ◽  
Yeon Jin Lee ◽  
Dae Hwan Kim ◽  
Jun Hyung Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Analogue Scale ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Cervical Radiculopathy ◽  
3D Ct ◽  
Retrospective Evaluation ◽  
Neck Disability ◽  
Cervical Foraminotomy

Abstract Purpose Cervical radiculopathy is a common disabling cervical spine condition. Open anterior and posterior approaches are the conventional surgical treatment approaches with good clinical outcomes. However, the soft tissue damage in these procedures can lead to increase perioperative morbidity. Endoscopic spine surgery provides more soft tissue preservation than conventional approaches. We investigate the radiological and clinical outcomes of posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy and discectomy. Methods A prospective clinical and radiological study with retrospective evaluation were done for 25 patients with 29 levels of cervical radiculopathy who underwent posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy from November 2016 to December 2018. Clinical outcomes of Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Disability Index and MacNab’s score were evaluated at pre-operative, post-operative 1 week, 3 months and final follow-up. Preoperative and post-operative final follow-up flexion and extension roentgenogram were evaluated for cervical stability assessment. Pre-operative and post-operative computer tomography cervical spine evaluation of foraminal length in ventro-dorsal, cephalad-caudal dimensions, sagittal foraminal area and using 3D CT reconstruction coronal decompression area were done. Results Twenty-nine levels of cervical radiculopathy underwent posterior endoscopic cervical decompression. The mean follow-up was 29.6 months, and the most common levels affected were C5/6 and C6/7. There was a complication rate of 12% with 2 cases of neurapraxia and one case of recurrent of prolapsed disc. There was no revision surgery in our series. There was significant clinical improvement in Visual Analogue Scale and Neck Disability Index. Prospective comparative study between preoperative and final follow-up mean improvement in VAS score was 5.08 ± 1.75, and NDI was 45.1 ± 13.3. Ninety-two percent of the patients achieved good and excellent results as per MacNab’s criteria. Retrospective evaluation of the radiological data showed significant increments of foraminal dimensions: (1) sagittal area increased 21.4 ± 11.2 mm2, (2) CT Cranio Caudal length increased 1.21 ± 1.30 mm and (3) CT ventro-dorsal length increased 2.09 ± 1.35 mm and (4) 3D CT scan reconstruction coronal decompression area increased 536 ± 176 mm2, p < 0.05. Conclusion Uniportal posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy and discectomy are safe, efficient and precise choreographed set of technique in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. It significantly improved clinical outcomes and achieved the objective of increasing in the cervical foramen size in our cohort of patients.

scholarly journals Is correction of kyphosis necessary by posterior approach for the treatment of multilevel cervical degenerative myelopathy? An observational study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Du ◽  
Shuai Wang ◽  
Haixu Wang ◽  
Jingtao Zhang ◽  
Feng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Posterior Approach ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Japanese Orthopedic Association ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Curvature Index ◽  
Degenerative Myelopathy ◽  
Neck Disability

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether sagittal lordotic alignment, clinical outcomes and axial symptoms (AS) could be improved by kyphotic correction after posterior approach for multilevel cervical degenerative myelopathy (CDM).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 109 patients with multilevel CDM with kyphosis who had undergone laminoplasty (Group LP, 53 patients) and laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation (Group LCS, 56 patients) between January 2014 and December 2018. Curvature index (CI) was measured according to the pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters. The recovery rate was calculated based on the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. AS severity was quantified by Neck Disability Index (NDI).Results: Analysis of postoperative follow-up data showed significant differences in CI (t = 8.64, P < 0.001), correction of CI (t = 8.97, P < 0.001) and NDI (t = 3.37, P < 0.001) between Group LP and LCS, whereas no significant differences in JOA score (t = 1.21, P = 0.23) and recovery rate (t = 1.52, P = 0.13). There were significant differences in JOA score (t = 98.29, 96.41, P < 0.001), CI (t = 17.07, 16.17, P < 0.001) and NDI (t = 37.46, 52.15, P < 0.001) between pre- and postoperative follow-up in Group LP and LCS. Correction of CI showed negative correlation with axial symptom severity (r = -0.51, P < 0.001), and no association with recovery rate (r = 0.14, P = 0.15).Conclusions: Satisfied neurological improvement was obtained by LP and LCS for patients with multilevel CDM, while kyphotic correction in Group LCS caused significant improvement of AS than that in Group LP. However, in a short-term postoperative follow-up, we could not demonstrate that kyphotic correction is associated with a better recovery in clinical outcomes.

scholarly journals Management of Thoracic Disc Herniations via Posterior Unilateral Modified Transfacet Pedicle–Sparing Decompression With Segmental Instrumentation and Interbody Fusion

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 506-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Carr ◽  
Andrey A. Volkov ◽  
David L. Rhoiney ◽  
Pradeep Setty ◽  
Ryan J. Barrett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Instrumented Fusion ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss ◽  
Segmental Instrumentation ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Thoracic Disc

Study Design: Retrospective consecutive case series. Objective: The objective of this case series was to demonstrate the safety of a modified transfacet pedicle–sparing decompression and instrumented fusion in patients with thoracic disc herniations (TDHs). Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing operative management of TDH from July 2007 to December 2011 using a posterior unilateral modified transfacet pedicle–sparing approach were identified. All patients underwent open or minimally invasive modified transfacet pedicle–sparing discectomy and segmental instrumentation with interbody fusion, performed by four different surgeons. Pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, Nurick grade, and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) were analyzed from a retrospective chart review. Estimated blood loss and complications were also obtained. Results: Fifty-one patients were included that had operations for TDH. Thirty-nine patients had single level decompression and 12 had multilevel decompression. The total number of levels operated on was 64. Five patients were treated with minimally invasive surgery. A herniated disc level of T11-12 (n = 17) was treated most often. One major complication of epidural hematoma occurred. Minor complications such as malpositioned hardware, postoperative hematoma, wound infection, pseudoarthrosis, and pulmonary complications occurred in a few patients. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 46 months with 1 patient lost to follow-up. From preoperative to final postoperative: mean VAS scores improved from 8.31 to 4.05, AIS in all patients remained stable or improved, and Nurick scores improved from 3 to 2.6 on average. No intraoperative or permanent neurological deficit occurred. Conclusion: In our surgical series, 51 consecutive patients underwent modified transfacet pedicle–sparing approach to TDHs and experienced improvement of functional status as well as improvement of objective pain scales with no neurological complications. The posterior unilateral modified transfacet pedicle–sparing decompression and instrumented fusion approach to the thoracic spine is a safe and reproducible procedure for the treatment of TDHs.

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