The transfacet pedicle-sparing approach for thoracic disc removal: cadaveric morphometric analysis and preliminary clinical experience

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. E8
Author(s):  
Charles B. Stillerman ◽  
Thomas C. Chen ◽  
J. Diaz Day ◽  
William T. Couldwell ◽  
Martin H. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Operative Time ◽  
Spinal Column ◽  
Radicular Pain ◽  
Minimal Amount ◽  
Morphometric Measurements ◽  
Soft Tissue Dissection ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Axial Pain ◽  
Thoracic Disc ◽  
Ventral Canal

A number of operative techniques have been described for the treatment of herniated thoracic discs. The transfacet pedicle-sparing approach allows for complete disc removal with limited spinal column disruption and soft-tissue dissection. Fifteen cadaveric spinal columns were used for evaluation of exposure, development of thoracic microdiscectomy instrumentation, and establishment of morphometric measurements. This approach was used to remove eight thoracic discs in six patients. Levels of herniation ranged from T-7 through T-11. Preoperatively, all patients had moderate to severe axial pain, and three (50%) of the six had radicular pain. Myelopathy was present in four (67%) of the six patients. Through a 4-cm opening, the ipsilateral paraspinal muscles were reflected, and a partial facetectomy was performed. The disc was then removed using specially designed microscopic instrumentation. Postoperatively, the radiculopathy resolved in all patients. Axial pain and myelopathy were completely resolved or significantly improved in all patients. The minimal amount of bone resection and muscle dissection involved in the operation allows for: 1) decreased operative time and blood loss; 2) diminished perioperative pain; 3) shorter hospitalization time and faster return to premorbid activity; 4) avoidance of closed chest tube drainage; and 5) preservation of the integrity of the facet-pedicle complex, with potential for improvement in outcome related to axial pain. This technique appears best suited for the removal of all centrolateral discs, although it has been used successfully for treating a disc occupying nearly the entire ventral canal. The initial experience suggests that this approach may be used to safely remove appropriately selected thoracic disc herniations with good results.

The transfacet pedicle-sparing approach for thoracic disc removal: cadaveric morphometric analysis and preliminary clinical experience

1995 ◽  
Vol 83 (6) ◽  
pp. 971-976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles B. Stillerman ◽  
Thomas C. Chen ◽  
J. Diaz Day ◽  
William T. Couldwell ◽  
Martin H. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Column ◽  
Radicular Pain ◽  
Minimal Amount ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Soft Tissue Dissection ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Axial Pain ◽  
Thoracic Disc ◽  
Ventral Canal ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A number of operative techniques have been described for the treatment of herniated thoracic discs. The transfacet pedicle-sparing approach allows for complete disc removal with limited spinal column disruption and soft-tissue dissection. Fifteen cadaveric spinal columns were used for evaluation of exposure, development of thoracic microdiscectomy instrumentation, and establishment of morphometric measurements. This approach was used to remove eight thoracic discs in six patients. Levels of herniation ranged from T-7 through T-11. Preoperatively, all patients had moderate to severe axial pain, and three (50%) of the six had radicular pain. Myelopathy was present in four (67%) of the six patients. Through a 4-cm opening, the ipsilateral paraspinal muscles were reflected, and a partial facetectomy was performed. The disc was then removed using specially designed microscopic instrumentation. Postoperatively, the radiculopathy resolved in all patients. Axial pain and myelopathy were completely resolved or significantly improved in all patients. The minimal amount of bone resection and muscle dissection involved in the operation allows for: 1) decreased operative time and blood loss; 2) diminished perioperative pain; 3) shorter hospitalization time and faster return to premorbid activity; 4) avoidance of closed chest tube drainage; and 5) preservation of the integrity of the facet—pedicle complex, with potential for improvement in outcome related to axial pain. This technique appears best suited for the removal of all centrolateral discs, although it has been used successfully for treating a disc occupying nearly the entire ventral canal. The initial experience suggests that this approach may be used to safely remove appropriately selected thoracic disc herniations with good results.

Transcostovertebral approach for thoracic disc herniations

2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dzung H. Dinh ◽  
John Tompkins ◽  
Shawn B. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Operating Time ◽  
Radicular Pain ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Axial Pain ◽  
Thoracic Disc ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors describe a new posterolateral transcostovertebral approach for the removal of herniated thoracic discs. Methods. From January 1994 to January 2000, 28 thoracic discs in 22 patients were excised via a new transcostovertebral surgical approach. Seventeen patients (77%) presented with axial pain, 14 (64%) with radicular pain, 13 (59%) with myelopathy, eight (36%) with sensory loss, and 10 (45%) with genitourinary (GU) symptoms such as urinary hesitancy or incontinence. The affected discs were approached using a midline incision to gain access of the costovertebral junction. The surgical corridor was posterolateral; the costovertebral joint and lateral edge of the vertebral endplates were drilled to expose the lateral annulus. The ribs were preserved, obviating the need for insertion of a chest tube postoperatively. The average operating time per level was 200.5 minutes (range 90–360 minutes). The average blood loss was 231 ml (50–750 ml). The average length of stay was 3.8 days. Most patients were discharged home on postoperative Day 2 or 3. No patients were worse postoperatively. Improvement was demonstrated in 13 (76%) of 17 patients with axial pain, 11 (79%) of 14 patients with radicular pain, 11 (85%) of 13 patients with myelopathy, seven (88%) of eight patients with sensory loss, and six (60%) of 10 patients with GU symptoms. Conclusions. This procedure is well suited for any thoracic disc level and offers several advantages over the traditional costotransversectomy or transthoracic approaches: shorter operating time, less blood loss, less extensive soft-tissue and bone dissection, reduced postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays.

scholarly journals Reoperation for herniated thoracic discs

1999 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. E7
Author(s):  
Curtis A. Dickman ◽  
Daniel Rosenthal ◽  
John J. Regan
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽  
Radicular Pain ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Initial Surgery ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Thoracic Discectomy ◽  
Thoracic Disc

In this review the authors address the surgical strategies required to resect residual thoracic disc herniations. Fifteen patients who had undergone prior thoracic discectomy and who harbored residual or incompletely excised symptomatic thoracic discs were reviewed retrospectively. The surgical procedures that had failed to excise the herniated discs completely included 11 posterolateral approaches, one thoracotomy, and three thoracoscopic procedures. Of the incompletely resected or residual disks 13 were central calcified, two were soft, 12 were extradural, and three were intradural discs. Indications for reoperation were often multiple in each patient and included misidentification of the level of disc disease at the initial operation (five cases), abandoning the procedure because of intraoperative spinal cord injury (three cases), inadequate visualization of the pathology (eight cases), migration of a soft disc fragment within the spinal canal (one case), and intradural disc extension (three cases). The symptoms at the time of reoperation included myelopathy in 13 patients and radicular pain in two. The mean interval before reoperation was 150 days (range 1 day-4 years). The reoperation procedures included one thoracotomy and 14 video-assisted thoracoscopic procedures performed ipsilateral (11 cases) or contralateral (four cases) to the site of the initial surgery. The herniated disc material was excised completely in all 15 cases without causing new neurological deficits. Reoperation complications included atelectasis in three patients, intercostal neuralgia in two, a loosened screw that required removal in one, and a cerebrospinal fluid leak in one patient. Of the 13 patients who experienced myelopathy preoperatively, 10 recovered neurological function and three stabilized. All patients with radicular pain improved. Calcified, large, broad-based, centrally located, or transdural thoracic disc herniations can be difficult to resect. These lesions require a ventral operative approach to visualize the dura adequately for a safe and complete resection.

Surgical management of multiple thoracic disc herniations via a transfacet approach: a report of 15 cases

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. Arnold ◽  
Philip L. Johnson ◽  
Karen K. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Radicular Pain ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Posterior Fixation ◽  
Preoperative Pain ◽  
Average Patient ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Thoracic Disc ◽  
Herniated Discs

Object Symptomatic thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are rare, and multiple TDHs account for an even smaller percentage of symptomatic herniated discs. Most TDHs are found in the lower thoracic spine, with more than 75% occurring below T-8. The authors report a series of 15 patients with multiple symptomatic TDHs treated with a modified transfacet approach. Methods Fifteen patients (9 women and 6 men) with a total of 32 symptomatic TDHs were treated surgically at the authors' institution between 1994 and 2010. The average patient age was 51.1 years. Thirteen patients had 2-level herniation and 2 patients had 3-level disease. The most commonly involved level was T7–8 (10 herniations), followed by T6–7 and T8–9 (6 herniations each). All patients had long-standing myelopathic and/or radicular complaints at the time of presentation. Each disc that exhibited radiographically confirmed compression of the spinal cord or nerve root was considered for resection. Only patients with lateral disc herniations were considered for the modified transfacet approach; patients with a centrally herniated disc underwent ventral or ventral-lateral procedures. The average follow-up time was 30 months. Results All patients had successful resection of their herniated discs. All patients with preoperative weakness demonstrated improved strength, and 11 of 12 patients with preoperative pain showed improvement in pain. Sensory loss was less consistently improved. The 2 patients who underwent posterior fixation and fusion achieved radiographically confirmed fusion by the 1-year follow-up. Nine of 10 patients who were working returned to their jobs. Eleven of 12 patients with preoperative back or radicular pain had drastic or complete pain resolution; 1 patient had no change in pain. All 7 patients with preoperative ambulatory difficulty had postoperative gait improvement. Complications were minimal. Conclusions Multiple symptomatic herniated thoracic discs are rare causes of pain and disability, but should be treated surgically because good outcomes can be achieved with acceptably low morbidity.

scholarly journals Calcified Thoracic Disc Herniations in the Elderly: Revisiting the Laminectomy for Single Level Disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 527-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colby Oitment ◽  
Desmond Kwok ◽  
Chris Steyn
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Asia Score ◽  
Thoracic Disc ◽  
Clinical Conditions

Study Design: Retrospective case series. Objectives: Calcified thoracic disc herniations in the elderly present with a variety of clinical conditions and the treatment is a source of significant debate. Decompression of the disc space is done through anterior, lateral, posterolateral, and posterior approaches. There is significant morbidity of thoracic disc herniation and associated decompression. Methods: The present report is a case series of 8 elderly patients with calcified discopathy who received a simple laminectomy without decompression of the disc space. Results: Postoperatively, 5 patients mobilized independently, 2 with a walker, and 1 patient was nonambulatory. Two patients improved 1 ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale) score, 1 patient improved 2 ASIA scores, and 3 patients had no change in ASIA score. Conclusion: In our experience, thoracic disc herniations require a technically difficult decompression and overall the complications are significant. We present a series of 8 patients who generally improved from a simple laminectomy and consider this a viable procedure for patients too unwell to undergo direct disc decompression.

scholarly journals Sleep Apnea and Unilateral Upper and Lower Extremity Allodynia as a Result of a Large Thoracic Disc Herniation: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler D. Alexander ◽  
Anthony Stefanelli ◽  
Sara Thalheimer ◽  
Joshua E. Heller
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Thoracic Disc Herniation ◽  
Lower Extremity Weakness ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Thoracic Disc

Abstract BackgroundClinically significant disc herniations in the thoracic spine are rare accounting for approximately 1% of all disc herniations. In patients with significant spinal cord compression, presenting symptoms typically include ambulatory dysfunction, lower extremity weakness, lower extremity sensory changes, as well as bowl, bladder, or sexual dysfunction. Thoracic disc herniations can also present with thoracic radiculopathy including midback pain and radiating pain wrapping around the chest or abdomen. The association between thoracic disc herniation with cord compression and sleep apnea is not well described.Case PresentationThe following is a case of a young male patient with high grade spinal cord compression at T7-8, as a result of a large thoracic disc herniation. The patient presented with complaints of upper and lower extremity unilateral allodynia and sleep apnea. Diagnosis was only made once the patient manifested more common symptoms of thoracic stenosis including left lower extremity weakness and sexual dysfunction. Following decompression and fusion the patient’s allodynia and sleep apnea quickly resolved.ConclusionsThoracic disc herniations can present atypically with sleep apnea – a symptom which may resolve with surgical treatment.

scholarly journals IFN-γ Correlations with Pain Assessment, Radiological Findings, and Clinical Intercourse in Patient after Lumbar Microdiscectomy: Preliminary Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Piotr Kamieniak ◽  
Joanna M. Bielewicz ◽  
Cezary Grochowski ◽  
Jakub Litak ◽  
Agnieszka Bojarska-Junak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Radicular Pain ◽  
Nerve Compression ◽  
Mcgill Pain Questionnaire ◽  
Lumbar Microdiscectomy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Ifn Γ

Objectives. We investigated the influence of pain decrease after lumbar microdiscectomy on the interferon gamma (IFN-γ) serum level in patients with lumbar disc herniations. The study challenges the mechanism of sciatica pain and the role of IFN-γ in radicular pain development. Material and Methods. We performed clinical and immunoenzymatic assessment in a group of 27 patients with lumbar radicular pain due to disc herniations before and 3 months after surgery. Clinical status was assessed with the use of the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Pain Rating Index and Pain Intensity Index of McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The plasma concentrations of IFN-γ were ascertained by an immunoenzymatic method. Results. We observe significant correlations between the results of the pain in the back region assessment NRS back scale after the surgery with the level of IFN-γ before the procedure ( r s = 0.528 ; p = 0.008 ) and after the procedure ( r s = 0.455 ; p = 0.025 ). These are moderate and positive correlations—the decrease in pain is correlated with the lower IFN-γ level. Additionally, there are significant correlations between the results of the PRI scale and the IFN-γ level. The PRI score before surgery correlates positively with IFN-γ after surgery ( r s = 0.462 ; p = 0.023 ), and the PRI score after surgery correlates positively with IFN before surgery ( r s = 0.529 ; p = 0.005 ) and after surgery ( r s = 0.549 ; p = 0.003 ). All correlations are moderate in severity—severe pain before surgery correlates with a higher level of IFN-γ after surgery and also higher IFN-γ before surgery. There were significant differences in the IFN-γ level before ( Z = − 2.733 ; p = 0.006 ) and after ( Z = − 2.391 ; p = 0.017 ) surgery in the groups of patients with and without nerve compression. In the group of patients with nerve compression, the level of IFN-γ before and after surgery was lower. Conclusions. Less pain ratio after operation correlates with the level of IFN-γ. In the group of patients without significant nerve compression confirmed by MRI scans, the level of IFN-γ before and after surgery was higher than that in the group with nerve root compression.

scholarly journals Revision surgery in thoracic disc herniation

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (S1) ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
Stephan Dützmann ◽  
Roli Rose ◽  
Daniel Rosenthal
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Thoracic Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Clinical Records ◽  
Thoracic Disc

Abstract Purpose Surgical treatment failures or strategies for the reoperation of residual thoracic disc herniations are sparsely discussed. We investigated factors that led to incomplete disc removal and recommend reoperation strategies. Methods As a referral centre for thoracic disc disease, we reviewed retrospectively the clinical records and imaging studies before and after the treatment of patients who were sent to us for revision surgery for thoracic disc herniation from 2013 to 2018. Results A total of 456 patients were treated from 2013 to 2018 at our institution. Twenty-one patients had undergone previously thoracic discectomy at an outside facility and harboured residual, incompletely excised and symptomatic herniated thoracic discs. In 12 patients (57%), the initial symptoms that led to their primary operation were improved after the first surgery, but recurred after a mean of 2.8 years. In seven patients (33%) they remained stable, and in two cases they were worse. All patients were treated via all dorsal approaches. In all 21 cases, the initial excision was incomplete regarding medullar decompression. All of the discs were removed completely in a single revision procedure. After mean follow-up of 24 months (range 12–57 months), clinical neurological improvement was demonstrated in seven patients, while three patients suffered a worsening and 11 patients remained stable. Conclusion Our data suggest that pure dorsal decompression provides a short relief of the symptoms caused by spinal cord compression. Progressive myelopathy (probably due to mechanical and vascular deficits) and scar formation may cause worsening of symptoms. Graphic abstract These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Trans-thoracic versus retropleural approach for symptomatic thoracic disc herniations: comparative analysis of 94 consecutive cases

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Christian Soda ◽  
Franco Faccioli ◽  
Nicolò Marchesini ◽  
Umberto M. Ricci ◽  
Marco Brollo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Thoracic Disc

The pathophysiology of thoracic disc disease

2000 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Mcinerney ◽  
Perry A. Ball
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Pulposus ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Science Data ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Thoracic Disc

Nucleus pulposus herniations are far less common in the thoracic spine than at the cervical and lumbar regions. Traditionally, diagnosis of thoracic disc herniations has been challenging because the signs and symptoms are often subtle early in their course. As a result, delays in diagnoses are common. Because they are uncommon as well as difficult to diagnosis, the neurosurgical community has sparse data on which to base good clinical decision making for the treatment of these herniations. In this review the authors seek to place the phenomenon of thoracic disc disease into the context of its pathophysiology. After a careful evaluation of the available clinical, pathological, and basic science data, a case is made that the cause of nucleus pulposus herniations in the thoracic spine is similar to those occurring in the lumbar and cervical regions. The lower incidence of herniations is ascribed primarily to the reduced allowable flexion at the thoracic level compared with the lumbar and cervical levels. To a lesser extent, the contribution of the ribs to weight-bearing may also play a role. Further review of clinical data suggests that thoracic disc herniations, like herniated cervical and lumbar discs, may be asymptomatic and may respond to conservative therapy. Similarly, good surgery-related results have been reported for herniated thoracic discs, despite the more challenging nature of the surgical procedure. The authors conclude that treatment strategies for thoracic disc herniations may logically and appropriately follow those commonly used for the cervical and lumbar levels.

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