scholarly journals Clinical Outcomes of Posterior Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Foraminotomy and Discectomy Assisted with SNRB in Treating Cervical Radiculopathy with Diagnostic Uncertainty

2021 ◽  
pp. E483-E492
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Cervical Radiculopathy ◽  
Radicular Pain ◽  
Diagnostic Uncertainty ◽  
Retrospective Design ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Selective Nerve Root Block ◽  
Cervical Foraminotomy

BACKGROUND: Selective nerve root block (SNRB) has been used to facilitate the diagnostic process when radiologic abnormalities are not correlated with clinical symptomatology in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Meanwhile, minimally invasive posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical foraminotomy and discectomy (PPECFD) has been widely used to treat cervical radiculopathy because of its advantages. However, combination of these 2 procedures in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy with diagnostic uncertainty has not been reported. OBJECTIVES: To examine the clinical outcomes of PPECFD assisted with SNRB in patients who had cervical radiculopathy with diagnostic uncertainty. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective design was used. SETTING: This study was conducted in a university-affiliated tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with cervical radicular pain who had diagnostic uncertainty were included (January 2018 to January 2019). Diagnostic SNRB was performed to identify the responsible nerve root(s). PPECFD was selected as the treatment when the SNRB result was positive. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and modified Macnab criteria. Pre- and post-operative radiologic and clinical parameters were evaluated. Other information was retrieved from the electronic records. RESULTS: All patients had successful SNRB procedures. Four were excluded from the analysis because of the negative results of the SNRB. Among the remaining 26 patients who underwent the subsequent PPECFD surgery, the mean follow-up was 14 months. Compared with preoperative values, the mean VAS scores for radicular arm pain and neck pain, as well as the NDI score, improved significantly. According to the Macnab criteria, 22 patients (84.6%) had excellent or good results. No major peri- and postoperative complications were observed. LIMITATIONS: This study used a retrospective design with relatively small sample size and medium follow-up duration. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic SNRB may be a helpful tool to identify the origin of cervical radicular pain for patients with diagnostic uncertainty. With the guidance of SNRB, PPECFD is likely to be an effective and safe option for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy with diagnostic uncertainty. KEY WORDS: Cervical radiculopathy, selective nerve root block, percutaneous endoscopic cervical foraminotomy and discectomy, diagnostic, uncertainty

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.

Analysis of human acellular nerve allograft combined with contralateral C7 nerve root transfer for restoration of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion in brachial plexus injury: a mean 4-year follow-up

2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (6) ◽  
pp. 1914-1924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Li ◽  
Jiantao Yang ◽  
Bengang Qin ◽  
Honggang Wang ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Allograft Reconstruction ◽  
Acellular Nerve Allograft ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Monofilament Test

OBJECTIVEHuman acellular nerve allograft applications have increased in clinical practice, but no studies have quantified their influence on reconstruction outcomes for high-level, greater, and mixed nerves, especially the brachial plexus. The authors investigated the functional outcomes of human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction for nerve gaps in patients with brachial plexus injury (BPI) undergoing contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve root transfer to innervate the upper trunk, and they determined the independent predictors of recovery in shoulder abduction and elbow flexion.METHODSForty-five patients with partial or total BPI were eligible for this retrospective study after CC7 nerve root transfer to the upper trunk using human acellular nerve allografts. Deltoid and biceps muscle strength, degree of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, and static two-point discrimination (S2PD) were examined according to the modified British Medical Research Council (mBMRC) scoring system, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) were scored to establish the function of the affected upper limb. Meaningful recovery was defined as grades of M3–M5 or S3–S4 based on the scoring system. Subgroup analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction.RESULTSThe mean follow-up duration and the mean human acellular nerve allograft length were 48.1 ± 10.1 months and 30.9 ± 5.9 mm, respectively. Deltoid and biceps muscle strength was grade M4 or M3 in 71.1% and 60.0% of patients. Patients in the following groups achieved a higher rate of meaningful recovery in deltoid and biceps strength, as well as lower DASH scores (p < 0.01): age < 20 years and age 20–29 years; allograft lengths ≤ 30 mm; and patients in whom the interval between injury and surgery was < 90 days. The meaningful sensory recovery rate was approximately 70% in the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and S2PD. According to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, age, interval between injury and surgery, and allograft length significantly influenced functional outcomes.CONCLUSIONSHuman acellular nerve allografts offered safe reconstruction for 20- to 50-mm nerve gaps in procedures for CC7 nerve root transfer to repair the upper trunk after BPI. The group in which allograft lengths were ≤ 30 mm achieved better functional outcome than others, and the recommended length of allograft in this procedure was less than 30 mm. Age, interval between injury and surgery, and allograft length were independent predictors of functional outcomes after human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction.

scholarly journals Microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) for the treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation: report of the surgical technique, patient selection, and clinical outcomes

BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxiao Wang ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Xiaojie Tang ◽  
Haifei Cao ◽  
Qinyong Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Learning Curve ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Operation Duration ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background The area which located at the medial pedicle, posterior vertebral body and ventral hemilamina is defined as the hidden zone. Surgical management of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation (HZLDH) is technically challenging due to its difficult surgical exposure. The conventional interlaminar approach harbors the potential risk of post-surgical instability, while other approaches consist of complicated procedures with a steep learning curve and prolonged operation time. Objective To introduce microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) technique for treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation and present clinical outcomes. Methods Between Jan 2016 to Jan 2018, twenty one patients (13 males) with HZLDH were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent MELS (19 patients underwent sequestrectomy only, 2 patients underwent an additional inferior discectomy). The nerve root and fragment were visually exposed using MELS. The operation duration, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications, and recurrences were recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Postoperative stability was evaluated both radiologically and clinically. Results The mean follow-up period was 20.95 ± 2.09 (18–24) months. The mean operation time was 32.43 ± 7.19 min and the mean blood loss was 25.52 ± 5.37 ml. All patients showed complete neurological symptom relief after surgery. The VAS and ODI score were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to those before operation (7.88 ± 0.70 vs 0.10 ± 0.30, 59.24 ± 10.83 vs 11.29 ± 3.59, respectively, p < 0.05). Seventeen patients (81%) obtained an “excellent” outcome and the remaining four (19%) patients obtained a “good” outcome based the MacNab criteria. One patient suffered reherniation at the same level one year after the initial surgery and underwent a transforaminal endoscopic discectomy. No major complications and postoperative instability were observed. Conclusions Our observation suggest that MELS is safe and effective in the management of HZLDH. Due to its relative simplicity, it comprises a flat surgical learning curve and shorter operation duration, and overall results in reduced disturbance to lumbar stability.

scholarly journals Satisfactory long-term clinical outcomes after bone marrow stimulation of osteochondral lesions of the talus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quinten G. H. Rikken ◽  
Jari Dahmen ◽  
Sjoerd A. S. Stufkens ◽  
Gino M. M. J. Kerkhoffs
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Degenerative Changes ◽  
Osteochondral Lesions ◽  
Ankle Osteoarthritis ◽  
Bone Marrow Stimulation ◽  
Marrow Stimulation ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) at long-term follow-up. Methods A literature search was conducted from the earliest record until March 2021 to identify studies published using the PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), and Cochrane Library databases. Clinical studies reporting on arthroscopic BMS for OLTs at a minimum of 8-year follow-up were included. The review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Two authors independently conducted the article selection and conducted the quality assessment using the Methodological index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS). The primary outcome was defined as clinical outcomes consisting of pain scores and patient-reported outcome measures. Secondary outcomes concerned the return to sport rate, reoperation rate, complication rate, and the rate of progression of degenerative changes within the tibiotalar joint as a measure of ankle osteoarthritis. Associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated based on the primary and secondary outcome measures. Results Six studies with a total of 323 ankles (310 patients) were included at a mean pooled follow-up of 13.0 (9.5–13.9) years. The mean MINORS score of the included studies was 7.7 out of 16 points (range 6–9), indicating a low to moderate quality. The mean postoperative pooled American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 83.8 (95% CI 83.6–84.1). 78% (95% CI 69.5–86.8) participated in sports (at any level) at final follow-up. Return to preinjury level of sports was not reported. Reoperations were performed in 6.9% (95% CI 4.1–9.7) of ankles and complications related to the BMS procedure were observed in 2% (95% CI 0.4–3.0) of ankles. Progression of degenerative changes was observed in 28% (95% CI 22.3–33.2) of ankles. Conclusion Long-term clinical outcomes following arthroscopic BMS can be considered satisfactory even though one in three patients show progression of degenerative changes from a radiological perspective. These findings indicate that OLTs treated with BMS may be at risk of progressing towards end-stage ankle osteoarthritis over time in light of the incremental cartilage damage cascade. The findings of this study can aid clinicians and patients with the shared decision-making process when considering the long-term outcomes of BMS. Level of evidence Level IV.

scholarly journals Plasma natriuretic peptide level is an independent determinant of major clinical outcomes in atrial fibrillation patients without heart failure: the Fushimi AF Registry

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Hamatani ◽  
M Iguchi ◽  
Y Aono ◽  
K Ishigami ◽  
S Ikeda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Prognostic Marker ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Systemic Embolism ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of death, stroke/systemic embolism and heart failure (HF). Plasma natriuretic peptide (NP) level is an important prognostic marker in HF patients. However, little is known regarding the prognostic significance of plasma NP level in AF patients without HF. Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between plasma NP level and clinical outcomes such as all-cause death, stroke/systemic embolism and HF hospitalization during follow-up period in AF patients without HF. Methods The Fushimi AF Registry is a community-based prospective survey of AF patients in our city. The inclusion criterion of the registry is the documentation of AF at 12-lead electrocardiogram or Holter monitoring at any time, and there are no exclusion criteria. We started to enroll patients from March 2011, and follow-up data were available for 4,466 patients by the end of November 2019. From the registry, we excluded 1,220 patients without a pre-existing HF (defined as having one of the following; prior hospitalization for HF, New York Heart Association class ≥2, or left ventricular ejection fraction &lt;40%). Among 3,246 AF patients without HF, we investigated 1,189 patients with the data of plasma BNP (n=401) or N-terminal pro-BNP (n=788) level at the enrollment. We divided the patients according to the quartile of each plasma BNP or NT-pro BNP level and compared the backgrounds and outcomes between these 4 groups stratified by plasma NP level. Results Of 1,189 patients, the mean age was 72.1±10.2 years, 454 (38%) were female and 684 (58%) were paroxysmal AF. The mean CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score were 1.6±1.1 and 2.9±1.5, respectively. Oral anticoagulants were prescribed in 671 (56%) at baseline. The median (interquartile range) BNP and N-terminal pro-BNP level were 84 (38, 176) and 500 (155, 984) pg/ml, respectively. Patients with high plasma NP level were older, and demonstrated lower prevalence of paroxysmal AF, higher CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores and higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease and oral anticoagulants prescription (all P&lt;0.01). A total of 165 all-cause death, 114 stroke/systemic embolism and 103 HF hospitalization occurred during the median follow-up period of 5.0 years. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that higher plasma NP level was significantly associated with the incidences of all-cause death, stroke/systemic embolism and HF hospitalization in AF patients without HF (Figure 1A). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that plasma NP level could stratify the risk of clinical outcomes even after adjustment by type of AF, CHA2DS2-VASc score, chronic kidney disease and oral anticoagulant prescription (Figure 1B). Conclusion Plasma NP level is a significant prognostic marker for all-cause death, stroke/systemic embolism and HF hospitalization in AF patients without HF, suggesting the importance of measuring plasma NP level in AF patients even without HF. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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