Transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy in the treatment of foraminal and extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the endoscopic technique, as applied to patients with foraminal and extraforaminal disc herniations, and to report the outcome and complications. A retrospective analysis was performed of 35 consecutive cases of foraminal and extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation managed by posterolateral endoscopic discectomy. Pain was measured by means of the Visual Analog Score. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by the Macnab outcome criteria. The median follow-up period was 18 months (range 10 to 35 months). The mean Visual Analog Score improved from 8.6 before the surgery to 3.2 after the surgery. Overall, excellent or good outcomes were obtained in 30 (85.7%) of the 35 patients at the last follow-up examination, with both these outcomes showing statistically significant improvement (P<0.01). There were no complications related to the surgery, nor was any spinal instability detected. Three patients (8.6%) experienced persistent radiculopathy and subsequently underwent open microdiscectomy at the same level. We concluded that transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy is safe and efficacious in the treatment of foraminal or extraforaminal disc herniations. However, proper patient selection is paramount to ensure a satisfactory outcome after decompression of foraminal and extraforaminal disc herniations.     

Factors affecting dynamic foraminal stenosis in the lumbar spine

Background contextLumbar foraminal stenosis is a common clinical problem and a significant cause of lower extremity radiculopathy. Minimal in vivo data exists quantifying changes in foraminal area (FA) as the spine moves from flexion to extension in the lumbar spine or on the relationship between FA and lumbar segmental angular motion, translational motion (TM), or disc bulge migration.PurposeTo use kinetic magnetic resonance imaging (kMRI) to evaluate changes in dimensions of lumbar neural foramina during weight bearing in neutral, flexion, and extension positions. To evaluate the relationship between foraminal stenosis and lumbar segmental angular motion, TM, and disc bulge migration.Study designA retrospective radiographic study.Patient sampleForty-five patients with a mean age of 44 years undergoing kMRI for symptoms of low back pain or radiculopathy.Outcome measuresMagnetic resonance imaging measurements of FA, angular motion, TM, and disc bulge migration.MethodsKinetic magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine was reviewed in 45 patients with low back pain or radiculopathy, and parasagittal images were evaluated for changes in neural foraminal dimensions in various degrees of motion with weight bearing. The changes in foraminal dimension were correlated to the amount of segmental angular motion, TM, and disc bulge migration at each level. Neural foramina were also assessed qualitatively by Wildermuth criteria. Only those foramina that were clearly visualized with well-defined anatomic boundaries in all three positions were taken into consideration. Patients with previous surgery, tumor, and scoliosis were excluded from the study.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in the FA from flexion to neutral (p<.05) at all levels except L5–S1 and from neutral to extension at all levels (p<.05). The average percent decrease in FA was 30.0% with the greatest decrease from flexion to extension occurring at L2–L3 (167–107 mm²) and the smallest change occurring at L5–S1 (135–106 mm²) (p<.05). The magnitude of change in FA increased as angular motion at a segment increased. The mean change in FA was 32.3 mm² when angular motion was less than 5° and was 75.16 mm² when angular motion exceeded 15°. The extent of disc bulging posteriorly in the neural foramen was also correlated with the reduction in the FA from flexion to extension, but TM had no effect.ConclusionsForaminal area decreased significantly in extension compared with flexion and neutral on MRI. Lumbar disc bulge migration and angular motion at each level contributed independently to the decrease in FA in extension, whereas TM had no effect on FA.     

Percutaneous endoscopic treatment of foraminal and extraforaminal disc herniation at the L5-S1 level

Background  

Microsurgery of foraminal and extraforaminal disc herniation at the L5-S1 level remains a challenge because of the limited access by a high iliac crest, the sacral ala, large transverse processes of L5 and hidden disc fragments lateral to the zygapophyseal joint. Our aim was to present the outcome of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) of these lateral and far lateral disc herniations at the L5-S1 level using the newly described foraminal retreat technique in a group of patients with similar preoperative diagnostic studies.     

Extreme lateral interbody fusion for unilateral symptomatic vertical foraminal stenosis

Purpose

Asymmetric loss of disc height in adult deformity patients may lead to unilateral vertical foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy. The current study aimed to investigate whether restoration of foraminal height on the symptomatic side using extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) would alleviate unilateral radiculopathy.

Methods

In a retrospective study, patients with single-level unilateral vertical foraminal stenosis and corresponding radicular pain undergoing XLIF were included. Functional data (visual analog scale (VAS) for buttock, leg and back, as well as Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)) and radiographic measurements (bilateral foraminal height, disc height, segmental coronal Cobb angle and regional lumbar lordosis) were collected preoperatively, postoperatively and at the last follow-up.

Results

Twenty-three patients were included, among whom 61 % had degenerative scoliosis. History of previous surgery at the level of index was present in 43 % of patients. Additional instrumentation was performed in 91 %. The foraminal height on the stenotic side was significantly increased postoperatively (p < 0.001), and remained significantly increased at the last follow-up of 11 ± 3.7 months (p < 0.001). Additionally, VAS buttock and leg on the stenotic side, VAS back and ODI were significantly improved postoperatively and at the last follow-up (p ≤ 0.001 for all parameters). The foraminal height on the stenotic side showed correlation with the VAS leg on the stenotic side, both postoperatively and the last follow-up (r = ?0.590; p = 0.013, and r = ?0.537; p = 0.022, respectively).

Conclusions

Single-level XLIF is an effective procedure for treatment of symptomatic unilateral foraminal stenosis leading to radiculopathy. In deformity patients with radicular pain caused by nerve compression at a single level, when not associated with other symptoms attributable to general scoliosis, treatment with single-level XLIF can result in short- and mid-term satisfactory outcome.

     

Impact of insurance type on patient-reported outcome measures in patients with lumbar disc herniation

BACKGROUNDLumbar disc herniations (LDH) are among the most common spinal conditions. Despite increased appreciation for the importance of social determinants of health, the role that these factors play in patients with lumbar disc herniations is poorly defined.PURPOSETo elucidate the association between insurance status and baseline patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the setting of lumbar disc herniations.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGRetrospective cohort studyPATIENT SAMPLEBaseline patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) were reviewed from 924 adult patients presenting for treatment of lumbar disc herniation within our institutional healthcare system (2015–2020).OUTCOME MEASURESThe Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function Short Form 10a (PF10a), PROMIS Global-Mental, PROMIS Global-Physical, and visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain were assessed.METHODSPROMIS scores at presentation were defined at the primary outcome and insurance status as the primary predictor. Differences in clinical and sociodemographic characteristics between our cohorts, stratified by insurance status, were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank-sum or chi-squared testing. We used multivariable negative binomial regression modeling to adjust for potential confounders including age, gender, race, language, ethnicity, comorbidity index, and median geospatial household income.RESULTSWe included 924 patients, with mean age of 58.4 +/- 15.2 years and 52.6% male prevalence. Patients insured through Medicaid were more likely to be Black, Hispanic, and non-English speaking patients compared with the commercially insured. The Charlson Comorbidity index was significantly higher in the Medicare group. Following adjusted analysis, patients with Medicaid insurance had significantly worse PF10a (IRR, 0.90, 95% CI 0.85–0.96), as well as PROMIS Global-Physical score (IRR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.94), and VAS low back pain (IRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.40) when compared to the commercially insured.CONCLUSIONSWe encountered worse physical function, mental, and pain-related patient-reported outcomes for those with Medicaid insurance in a population of patients presenting for evaluation of lumbar disc herniation. These findings, including worse depression, anxiety, and higher axial back pain scores, merit further investigation into potential health system asymmetries, and should be accounted for by treating providers.     

Combined intra-extracanal approach to lumbosacral disc herniations with bi-radicular involvement. Technical considerations from a surgical series of 15 cases

Large lumbosacral disc herniations effacing both the paramedian and the foraminal area often cause double radicular compression. Surgical management of these lesions may be difficult. A traditional interlaminar approach usually brings into view only the paramedian portion of the intervertebral disc, unless the lateral bone removal is considerably increased. Conversely, the numerous far-lateral approaches proposed for removing foraminal or extraforaminal disc herniations would decompress the exiting nerve root only. Overall, these approaches share the drawback of controlling the neuroforamen on one side alone. A combined intra-extraforaminal exposure is a useful yet rarely reported approach. Over a 3-year period, 15 patients with bi-radicular symptoms due to large disc herniations of the lumbar spine underwent surgery through a combined intra-extracanal approach. A standard medial exposure with an almost complete hemilaminectomy of the upper vertebra was combined with an extraforaminal exposure, achieved by minimal drilling of the inferior facet joint, the lateral border of the pars interarticularis and the inferior margin of the superior transverse process. The herniated discs were removed using key maneuvers made feasible by working simultaneously on both operative windows. In all cases the disc herniation could be completely removed, thus decompressing both nerve roots. Radicular pain was fully relieved without procedure-related morbidity. The intra-extraforaminal exposure was particularly useful in identifying the extraforaminal nerve root early. Early identification was especially advantageous when periradicular scar tissue hid the nerve root from view, as it did in patients who had undergone previous surgery at the same site or had long-standing radicular symptoms. Controlling the foramen on both sides also reduced the risk of leaving residual disc fragments. A curved probe was used to push the disc material outside the foramen. In conclusion, specific surgical maneuvers made feasible by a simultaneous extraspinal and intraspinal exposure allow quick, safe and complete removal of lumbosacral disc herniations with paramedian and foraminal extension.     

Lumbar foraminal stenosis causes leg pain at rest

Purpose

Lumbar intra-spinal canal stenosis is characterized by leg pain that intensifies during walking and intermittent claudication, while leg pain at rest is a characteristic neurological symptom of lumbar disc herniation. Until now, a correlation between leg pain at rest and symptomatic foraminal stenosis has not been reported. This is a prospective and comparative study of unilateral leg pain from L5 nerve root compression due to spinal canal stenosis to determine clinical characteristics of lumbar foraminal stenosis.

Methods

Clinical and neurological findings were compared among 38 patients receiving L5–S1 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for L5–S1 foraminal stenosis (FS group) and 60 patients receiving L4–5 decompression or/and fusion for L4–5 intra-spinal canal stenosis (CS group).

Results

The only significant difference between the FS and CS groups in demographic clinical data was leg pain at rest. The prevalence of leg pain was significantly higher in the FS group compared to the CS group (76 vs. 35 %). The visual analogue scale for leg pain at rest was also significantly higher in the FS group than in the CS group (6.6 ± 3.1 vs. 1.3 ± 1.9).

Conclusions

Leg pain at rest is characteristic of L5–S1 foraminal stenosis.     

Surgical treatment of thoracic disc disease via minimally invasive lateral transthoracic trans/retropleural approach: analysis of 33 patients

Thoracic disc herniations are associated with serious neurological consequences if not treated appropriately. Although a number of techniques have been described, there is no consensus about the best surgical approach. In this study, the authors report their experience in the operative management of patients with thoracic disc herniations using minimally invasive lateral transthoracic trans/retropleural approach. A series of 33 consecutive patients with thoracic disc herniations who underwent anterior spinal cord decompression followed by instrumented fusion through lateral approach is being reported. Demographic and radiographic data, perioperative complications, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Forty disc levels in 33 patients (18F/15M; mean age, 52.9) were treated. Twenty-three patients presented with myelopathy (69 %), 31 had radiculopathy (94 %), and 31 had axial pain (94 %). Among patients with myelopathy, 14 (42.4 %) had bladder and/or bowel dysfunction. In the last eight cases (24 %), the approach was retropleural instead of transpleural. Patients were followed up for 18.2 months on average. The mean length of hospital stay was 5 days. None of the patients developed neurological deterioration postoperatively. Among 23 patients who had myelopathy signs, 21 (91 %) had improved postoperatively. The mean preoperative visual analog scale pain score, Oswestry Disability Index score, SF-36 PCS, and mental component summary scores were 7.5, 42.4, 29.6, and 37.5 which improved to 3.5, 33.2, 35.5, and 52.6, respectively. Perioperative complications occurred in six patients (18.1 %), all of which resolved uneventfully. Minimally invasive lateral transthoracic trans/retropleural approach is a safe and efficacious technique for achieving adequate decompression in thoracic disc herniations in a less invasive manner than conventional approaches.     

Transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for upper lumbar disc herniation: clinical outcome, prognostic factors, and technical consideration

Background

Compared with lower lumbar disc herniations, upper lumbar disc herniations at L1–L2 and L2–L3 have specific characteristics that result in different surgical outcomes after conventional open discectomy. There are no published studies on the feasibility of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for upper lumbar disc herniation. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcome, prognostic factors and the technical pitfalls of PELD for upper lumbar disc herniation.

Method

Forty-five patients with a soft disc herniation at L1–L2 or L2–L3 underwent percutaneous endoscopic discectomy. Posterolateral transforaminal endoscopic laser-assisted disc removal was performed under local anesthesia. Clinical outcomes was assessed using the Prolo scale. The prognostic factors associated with outcome were then analyzed.

Findings

The mean follow-up was 38.8 months (range, 25–52 months). The outcome of the 45 patients was excellent in 21 (46.7%), good in 14 patients (31.1%), fair in six patients (13.3%), and poor in four patients (8.9%). Four patients with a poor outcome underwent further open surgery. Mean scores on a visual analog scale decreased from 8.38 to 2.36 (P?<?0.0001). Age less than 45 years and a lateral disc herniation were independently associated with an excellent outcome (P?<?0.05).

Conclusions

Patient selection and an anatomically modified surgical technique promote a more successful outcome after percutaneous endoscopic discectomy for upper lumbar disc herniation.     

经椎间孔入路经皮内窥镜下腰椎椎间盘切除术治疗高位腰椎椎间盘突出症

目的探讨经椎间孔入路经皮内窥镜下腰椎椎间盘切除术(PETD)治疗高位腰椎椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2010年8月—2014年5月本院采用PETD治疗的24例高位腰椎椎间盘突出症患者临床资料。记录手术时间、术中出血量、住院天数,术前及术后12个月腰腿疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分及Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI),采用Macnab标准评价临床疗效。结果所有患者手术顺利完成。手术时间60~100 min,平均74.6 min;手术出血量15~40 m L,平均24.0 m L;住院天数3~7 d,平均4.3 d;随访时间14~36个月,平均21.1个月。术前腰痛VAS评分为(6.88±1.33)分,术后12个月为(1.96±0.91)分,差异有统计学意义(P0.01);术前腿痛VAS评分为(7.67±1.27)分,术后12个月为(1.83±0.76)分,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。术前ODI值为(68.8±8.4)%,术后12个月为(20.4±5.6)%,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。根据Macnab标准,术后12个月随访时优16例、良5例、可2例,差1例,优良率为87.5%。结论 PETD治疗高位腰椎椎间盘突出症能够取得较为满意的疗效,是治疗高位腰椎椎间盘突出症的有效方法。     

Analysis of clinical characteristics and surgical results of upper lumbar disc herniations

BackgroundUpper lumbar disc herniation (ULDH) is described mostly in levels L1-2, L2-3 and L3-4 of the lumbar spine in the literature and accounts for less than 10% of all disc herniations. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and surgical results of ULDH.MethodsIn all, 367 patients treated for upper lumbar disc herniation and 2137 treated for lower lumbar disc herniation (LLDH) between January 2008 and January 2017 were included. They were followed up postoperatively at 12 months by radiological investigations, back and leg pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Preoperative data comprised age group (20–40, 40–60, 60–80 years), gender (male, female), lumbar level (L1-2, L2-3, L3-4), side of disc herniation (left, right) and symptom duration (0–3, 3–6, 6–9 months).ResultsODI and VAS scores improved significantly postoperatively for all patients. Of the 367 ULDH patients, 169 were female (54%) and 198 male (46%), with a mean age of 55.8 ± 10.1 years (range, 35–71). In 174 (47.4%) patients symptom duration was 3 months, in 99 (27.0%) 3–6 months, and in 94 (25.6%) 6–9 months. At 12 months, ODI, back and leg pain VAS scores showed a significant difference in improvement according to ULDH symptom duration < 3 months and to LLDH symptom duration < 6 months.ConclusionMicrodiscectomy in ULDH provided sufficient and safe decompression of neural structures, with significant reduction in symptoms and disability. We suggest that early surgical treatment is an important factor for good outcome in ULDH.     

Lumbar microdiscectomy

Lumbar disc herniations are seen frequently in pain management practices. Specialists are well versed in the nonsurgical treatments for lumbar radiculopathy. Although most disc herniations would resolve without the need for surgery; it should be considered when patients have refractory pain or motor deficit. The following article discusses the surgical treatment for lumbar disc herniation—microdiscectomy. Pertinent literature has been reviewed and the surgical outcomes are highlighted.     

微创极外侧入路腰椎椎间融合术治疗退行性腰椎椎管狭窄症的初步应用和早期疗效分析

目的 研究微创极外侧入路腰椎椎间融合术(extreme lateral interbody fusion,XLIF)治疗退行性腰椎椎管狭窄症的早期疗效和安全性。方法 2013年10月~2014年3月本院收治退行性腰椎椎管狭窄症患者14例,均在微创通道下采用XLIF治疗。分别测量并分析术前、末次随访时患者疼痛视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale, VAS)评分及Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index, ODI),椎间高度,椎间孔高度,椎间孔面积和盘黄间隙(关节下间隙),并通过X线片、CT、MRI等影像学资料进行整体评价。结果 所有患者手术顺利,术后随访6~13个月,患者均有不同程度的症状改善。5例患者术后出现短暂的右大腿外侧皮肤感觉异常和轻度髂腰肌肌力下降,均在术后2个月内恢复;1例大体重患者术后下床活动时出现持续性腰痛,给予延长卧床休息时间后症状改善。术后影像学显示所有患者椎管及神经根管减压效果满意,滑脱得到一定程度的复位。腰、腿痛VAS评分及ODI均较术前明显改善。术后测量椎间高度增加109.2%;椎间孔高度增加33.8%,症状侧椎间孔面积扩大41.4%,盘黄间隙平均增加2.3 mm。多项影像学评价指标均优于术前,差异有统计学意义(P< 0.01)。结论 微创XLIF应用于退行性腰椎椎管狭窄症的治疗,可以使患者早期得到良好的症状缓解和满意的影像学改善,值得临床推广与应用。但其远期疗效还需经过大样本长期的随访和研究。     

Extraforaminal microscopic assisted percutaneous nucleotomy for foraminal and extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations

Background

Foraminal and extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations are uncommon. The main presentation is radicular pain related to the exiting nerve root at the affected level. Different approaches for surgical intervention have been described.

Intradiscal oxygen-ozone chemonucleolysis versus microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation radiculopathy: a non–inferiority randomized control trial

BACKGROUND CONTEXTLow back pain with or without radicular leg pain is an extremely common health condition significantly impacting patient's activities and quality of life. When conservative management fails, epidural injections providing only temporary relief, are frequently utilized. Intradiscal oxygen-ozone may offer an alternative to epidural injections and further reduce the need for microdiscectomy.PURPOSETo compare the non–inferiority treatment status and clinical outcomes of intradiscal oxygen-ozone with microdiscectomy in patients with refractory radicular leg pain due to single-level contained lumbar disc herniations.STUDY DESIGN / SETTINGMulticenter pilot prospective non–inferiority blocked randomized control trial conducted in three European hospital spine centers.PATIENT SAMPLEForty-nine patients (mean 40 years of age, 17 females/32 males) with a single-level contained lumbar disc herniation, radicular leg pain for more than six weeks, and resistant to medical management were randomized, 25 to intradiscal oxygen-ozone and 24 to microdiscectomy. 88% (43 of 49) received their assigned treatment and constituted the AS-Treated (AT) population.OUTCOME MEASURESPrimary outcome was overall 6-month improvement over baseline in leg pain. Other validated clinical outcomes, including back numerical rating pain scores (NRS), Roland Morris Disability Index (RMDI) and EQ-5D, were collected at baseline, 1 week, 1-, 3-, and 6-months. Procedural technical outcomes were recorded and adverse events were evaluated at all follow-up intervals.METHODSOxygen-ozone treatment performed as outpatient day surgeries, included a one-time intradiscal injection delivered at a concentration of 35±3 μg/cc of oxygen-ozone by a calibrated delivery system. Discectomies performed as open microdiscectomy inpatient surgeries, were without spinal instrumentation, and not as subtotal microdiscectomies. Primary analyses with a non–inferiority margin of -1.94-point difference in 6-month cumulative weighted mean leg pain NRS scores were conducted using As-Treated (AT) and Intent-to-Treat (ITT) populations. In post hoc analyses, differences between treatment groups in improvement over baseline were compared at each follow-up visit, using baseline leg pain as a covariate.RESULTSIn the primary analysis, the overall 6-month difference between treatment groups in leg pain improvement using the AT population was -0.31 (SE, 0.84) points in favor of microdiscectomy and using the ITT population, the difference was 0.32 (SE, 0.88) points in favor of oxygen-ozone. The difference between oxygen-ozone and microdiscectomy did not exceed the non–inferiority 95% confidence lower limit of treatment difference in either the AT (95% lower limit, -1.72) or ITT (95% lower limit, -1.13) populations. Both treatments resulted in rapid and statistically significant improvements over baseline in leg pain, back pain, RMDI, and EQ-5D that persisted in follow-up. Between group differences were not significant for any outcomes. During 6-month follow-up, 71% (17 of 24) of patients receiving oxygen-ozone, avoided microdiscectomy. The mean procedure time for oxygen-ozone was significantly faster than microdiscectomy by 58 minutes (p<.0010) and the mean discharge time from procedure was significantly shorter for the oxygen-ozone procedure (4.3±2.9 hours vs. 44.2±29.9 hours, p<.001). No major adverse events occurred in either treatment group.CONCLUSIONSIntradiscal oxygen-ozone chemonucleolysis for single-level lumbar disc herniations unresponsive to medical management, met the non–inferiority criteria to microdiscectomy on 6-month mean leg pain improvement. Both treatment groups achieved similar rapid significant clinical improvements that persisted and overall, 71% undergoing intradiscal oxygen-ozone were able to avoid surgery.     

Far-lateral disc herniations: the results of conservative management

The far-lateral herniated lumbar disc has become increasingly recognized as a cause for low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy as well as for "failed back syndrome" in certain improperly diagnosed cases. Several authors have reported that the majority of patients show poor response to conservative measures. To better understand the natural history, we performed a retrospective review of all lumbar herniated discs during a 3-year period, collecting 16 patients with 17 far-lateral disc herniations. All displayed radicular pain in the distribution of the root exiting at the same level as the herniated disc, with or without associated back pain. Twelve of the 17 disc herniations responded to conservative measures and had complete resolution of their radicular pain at follow-up. Also, at long-term follow-up, essentially all patients had experienced satisfactory subjective resolution of their weakness or sensory complaints. Five patients required surgery because of intractable pain despite conservative measures. Although our series for far-lateral disc herniations is small, we found that conservative measures do afford a relatively high nonoperative success rate of approximately 71%. This is in contrast to earlier implied or stated opinions indicating a low rate of successful nonoperative management as low as 10% in one series.     

Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis: factors associated with the decision to fuse

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThe indication to perform a fusion and decompression surgery as opposed to decompression alone for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) remains controversial. A variety of factors are considered when deciding on whether to fuse, including patient demographics, radiographic parameters, and symptom presentation. Likely surgeon preference has an important influence as well.PURPOSEThe aim of this study was to assess factors associated with the decision of a Canadian academic spine surgeon to perform a fusion for LDS.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGThis study is a retrospective analysis of patients prospectively enrolled in a multicenter Canadian study that was designed to evaluate the assessment and surgical management of LDS.PATIENT SAMPLEInclusion criteria were patients with: radiographic evidence of LDS and neurogenic claudication or radicular pain, undergoing posterior decompression alone or posterior decompression and fusion, performed in one of seven, participating academic centers from 2015 to 2019.OUTCOME MEASURESPatient demographics, patient-rated outcome measures (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], numberical rating scale back pain and leg pain, SF-12), and imaging parameters were recorded in the Canadian Spine Outcomes Research Network (CSORN) database. Surgeon factors were retrieved by survey of each participating surgeon and then linked to their specific patients within the database.METHODSUnivariate analysis was used to compare patient characteristics, imaging measures, and surgeon variables between those that had a fusion and those that had decompression alone. Multivariate backward logistic regression was used to identify the best combination of factors associated with the decision to perform a fusion.RESULTSThis study includes 241 consecutively enrolled patients receiving surgery from 11 surgeons at 7 sites. Patients that had a fusion were younger (65.3±8.3 vs. 68.6±9.7 years, p=.012), had worse ODI scores (45.9±14.7 vs. 40.2±13.5, p=.007), a smaller average disc height (6.1±2.7 vs. 8.0±7.3 mm, p=.005), were more likely to have grade II spondylolisthesis (31% vs. 14%, p=.008), facet distraction (34% vs. 60%, p=.034), and a nonlordotic disc angle (26% vs. 17%, p=.038). The rate of fusion varied by individual surgeon and practice location (p<.001, respectively). Surgeons that were fellowship trained in Canada more frequently fused than those who fellowship trained outside of Canada (76% vs. 57%, p=.027). Surgeons on salary fused more frequently than surgeons remunerated by fee-for-service (80% vs. 64%, p=.004). In the multivariate analysis the clinical factors associated with an increased odds of fusion were decreasing age, decreasing disc height, and increasing ODI score; the radiographic factors were grade II spondylolisthesis and neutral or kyphotic standing disc type; and the surgeon factors were fellowship location, renumeration type and practice region. The odds of having a fusion surgery was more than two times greater for patients with a grade II spondylolisthesis or neutral and/or kyphotic standing disc type (opposed to lordotic standing disc type). Patients whose surgeon completed their fellowship in Canada, or whose surgeon was salaried (opposed to fee-for-service), or whose surgeon practiced in western Canada had twice the odds of having fusion surgery.CONCLUSIONSThe decision to perform a fusion in addition to decompression for LDS is multifactorial. Although patient and radiographic parameters are important in the decision-making process, multiple surgeon factors are associated with the preference of a Canadian spine surgeon to perform a fusion for LDS. Future work is necessary to decrease treatment variability between surgeons and help facilitate the implementation of evidence-based decision making.     

Single position lateral decubitus anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and posterior fusion reduces complications and improves perioperative outcomes compared with traditional anterior-posterior lumbar fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXTLateral decubitus single position anterior-posterior (AP) fusion utilizing anterior lumbar interbody fusion and percutaneous posterior fixation is a novel, minimally invasive surgical technique. Single position lumbar surgery (SPLS) with anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) or lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) has been shown to be a safe, effective technique. This study directly compares perioperative outcomes of SPLS with lateral ALIF vs. traditional supine ALIF with repositioning (FLIP) for degenerative pathologies.PURPOSETo determine if SPLS with lateral ALIF improves perioperative outcomes compared to FLIP with supine ALIF.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGMulticenter retrospective cohort study.PATIENT SAMPLEPatients undergoing primary AP fusions with ALIF at 5 institutions from 2015 to 2020.OUTCOME MEASURESLevels fused, inclusion of L4-L5, L5-S1, radiation dosage, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), perioperative complications. Radiographic analysis included lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), and PI-LL mismatch.METHODSRetrospective analysis of primary ALIFs with bilateral percutaneous pedicle screw fixation between L4-S1 over 5 years at 5 institutions. Patients were grouped as FLIP or SPLS. Demographic, procedural, perioperative, and radiographic outcome measures were compared using independent samples t-tests and chi-squared analyses with significance set at p <.05. Cohorts were propensity-matched for demographic or procedural differences.RESULTSA total of 321 patients were included; 124 SPS and 197 Flip patients. Propensity-matching yielded 248 patients: 124 SPLS and 124 FLIP. The SPLS cohort demonstrated significantly reduced operative time (132.95±77.45 vs. 261.79±91.65 min; p <0.001), EBL (120.44±217.08 vs. 224.29±243.99 mL; p <.001), LOS (2.07±1.26 vs. 3.47±1.40 days; p <.001), and rate of perioperative ileus (0.00% vs. 6.45%; p =.005). Radiation dose (39.79±31.66 vs. 37.54±35.85 mGy; p =.719) and perioperative complications including vascular injury (1.61% vs. 1.61%; p =.000), retrograde ejaculation (0.00% vs. 0.81%, p =.328), abdominal wall (0.81% vs. 2.42%; p =.338), neuropraxia (1.61% vs. 0.81%; p =.532), persistent motor deficit (0.00% vs. 1.61%; p =.166), wound complications (1.61% vs. 1.61%; p =.000), or VTE (0.81% vs. 0.81%; p =.972) were similar. No difference was seen in 90-day return to OR. Similar results were noted in sub-analyses of single-level L4-L5 or L5-S1 fusions. On radiographic analysis, the SPLS cohort had greater changes in LL (4.23±11.14 vs. 0.43±8.07 deg; p =.005) and PI-LL mismatch (-4.78±8.77 vs. -0.39±7.51 deg; p =.002).CONCLUSIONSSingle position lateral ALIF with percutaneous posterior fixation improves operative time, EBL, LOS, rate of ileus, and maintains safety compared to supine ALIF with prone percutaneous pedicle screws between L4-S1.     

The course and prognostic factors of symptomatic cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy: a systematic review of the literature

Background contextCervical spine disc herniation is a disabling source of cervical radiculopathy. However, little is known about its course and prognosis. Understanding the course and prognosis of symptomatic cervical disc herniation is necessary to guide patients' expectations and assist clinicians in managing patients.PurposeTo describe the natural history, clinical course, and prognostic factors of symptomatic cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy.Study designSystematic review of the literature and best evidence synthesis.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SportsDiscus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 2013 was conducted to retrieve eligible articles. Eligible articles were critically appraised using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. The results from articles with low risk of bias were analyzed using best evidence synthesis principles.ResultsWe identified 1,221 articles. Of those, eight articles were eligible and three were accepted as having a low risk of bias. Two studies pertained to course and one study pertained to prognosis. Most patients with symptomatic cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy initially present with intense pain and moderate levels of disability. However, substantial improvements tend to occur within the first 4 to 6 months post-onset. Time to complete recovery ranged from 24 to 36 months in, approximately, 83% of patients. Patients with a workers' compensation claim appeared to have a poorer prognosis.ConclusionsOur best evidence synthesis describes the best available evidence on the course and prognosis of cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy. Most patients with symptomatic cervical spine disc herniation with radiculopathy recover. Possible recurrences and time to complete recovery need to be further studied. More studies are also needed to understand the prognostic factors for this condition.