A minimally invasive technique for L5-S1 intraforaminal disc herniations: microdiscectomy with a tubular retractor via a contralateral approach

Surgical treatment of intraforaminal disc herniations at the L5-S1 level is technically demanding. The 2 most commonly used procedures involve either a medial or lateral ipsilateral approach and often require a partial or even complete facet resection, which may in turn result in vertebral instability and/or back pain, as well as, in some cases, a fusion or stabilization procedure. In this report, the authors present a new minimally invasive technique for the treatment of L5-S1 intraforaminal disc herniations. Using this technique, which involves tubular retractors and an operative microscope to approach the neural foramen from the contralateral side, the authors could easily visualize and remove the herniated disc material and perform a thorough microdiscectomy with minimal resection of osseous and ligamentous structures. To illustrate this new minimally invasive technique for the treatment of intraforaminal disc herniations at L5-S1, they describe the cases of 2 patients who underwent the procedure and in whom successful results were achieved.     

经皮微创治疗腰_5-骶_1椎间盘突出症入路选择

目的探讨经皮微创治疗腰_5-骶_1椎间盘突出症不同入路的适应证及其临床效果。方法2011-03-2014-12,采用射频热凝联合臭氧消融术治疗腰_5-骶_1椎间盘突出症208例,对比各种入路的穿刺成功率、手术时间、术后治疗效果,并结合患者影像学特征加以分析。结果经髂骨钻孔入路穿刺成功率最高,后外侧入路则最低;手术时间后方入路最短,后外侧入路耗时最长;手术疗效则是经髂骨钻孔入路与后外侧入路相近,均优于后方入路。结论经皮微创治疗腰_5-骶_1椎间盘突出症,后外侧入路是经典的方法,但穿刺成功率不及后方入路;经髂骨钻孔入路提高了穿刺成功率,但增加了创伤,适用于高髂嵴及骨增生严重患者。     

Sacral osteoblastoma presenting as a L5-S1 disc herniation

Osteoblastoma is an uncommon neoplasm of the bone accounting for only 0.5-2% of all primary bone tumors. It constitutes 9% of all primary bone tumors arising in the sacrum. The symptoms have a wide spectrum of variety and the diagnosis is often delayed. We report a case of sacral osteoblastoma in a 20-year-old man who presented with classical symptoms of postero-lateral herniation of L5-S1 vertebral disc. The clinical and radiographic findings are discussed as well as the surgical treatment.     

A neurosurgical approach to far-lateral disc herniation. Technical note

A technique for exposing far-lateral intervertebral disc herniations without disrupting the facet is described. This technique is a simple modification of the standard neurosurgical approach.     

双节段Bryan人工颈椎椎间盘置换联合双节段融合治疗多节段颈椎椎间盘突出症：5年随访结果

目的观察采用相邻双节段Bryan人工颈椎椎间盘置换联合双节段植骨融合术治疗多节段颈椎椎间盘突出症的中远期临床效果,并回顾置换联合融合手术（hybrid surgery,HS）的文献报道。方法 2004年12月对1例C3/C4/C5/C6/C7椎间盘突出的男性患者实施了C4/C5/C6 Bryan ACDR,C3/C4和C6/C7椎间盘切除、椎体间钛网植骨、Zephir钢板内固定术。分别于术前及术后2周、1年、2年、5年完成SF-36生活质量量表、日本骨科学会（JapaneseOrthopaedic AssociationJ,OA）评分（17分法）,颈椎功能障碍指数（neck disability index,NDI）、颈部及上肢疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale,VAS）评分;术后各随访时点行影像学检查观察Bryan人工颈椎椎间盘位置、椎间活动度、钛网和钢板的位置及植骨融合情况。结果术后2周1、年、2年随访上述各量表评分均反映临床效果良好,但术后5年随访,患者出现中等程度颈痛及双上肢麻木,其远期临床效果有所下降。随访中影像学检查示Bryan假体及钛网钢板位置均良好,Bryan假体活动度正常,植骨融合良好。结论 HS手术治疗多节段颈椎椎间盘突出症的近中期临床效果良好,远期临床效果尚可,手术安全。该术式兼顾颈椎的活动度和稳定性,为多节段颈椎椎间盘突出症的手术治疗提供了新的选择。     

Ultra-long-term outcome of surgically treated far-lateral,extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations: a single-center series

Purpose  

Far-lateral extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation is an uncommon cause of nerve root entrapment, and studies addressing the long-term outcome of surgically treated patients are few. The purpose of this study was to analyze the ultra-long-term outcome of patients who were treated via a lateral approach.     

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.     

Reasons for failure of L5-S1 intervertebral disc excisions

Summary This study reviews 247 patients who still had preoperative complaints six months to two years after disc excision. In over half, spondylosis of the L5-S1 facets was present, concurrently associated with a pelvic obliquity. A number of other organic causitive factors were identified in 18% of the patients. Nonorganic reasons accounted for failure in only 13%. Over 70% of patients with associated spondylosis were improved by treatment directed at this condition.

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Résumé Cette étude concerne 247 patients qui continuaient à souffrir six mois à deux ans après ablation d'une hernie discale. Plus de la moitié d'entre eux présentaient une arthrose des articulations intervertébrales postérieures L5-S1, habituellement associée à une obliquité du bassin. D'autres causes organiques furent mises en évidence chez 18% des patients. L'échec n'était dû à une cause inorganique que dans 13% des cas. Plus de 70% des patients présentant une arthrose des articulaires postérieures furent améliorés par le traitement de cette affection.

     

Trans-sacral epiduroscopic laser decompression versus the microscopic open interlaminar approach for L5-S1 disc herniation

Context/Objective: Trans-sacral epiduroscopic laser decompression (SELD) is an alternative to microscopic open lumbar discectomy (OLD). SELD and OLD for L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation (LDH) have not been compared. We compared clinical results, including pain control, between SELD and OLD.

Design: Retrospective analysis.

Setting: Korean hospital.

Participants: Eighty patients treated with SELD (n?=?40) or microscopic OLD (n?=?40) for L5-S1 LDH.

Interventions: N/A.

Outcome Measures: Clinical data were compared over 6 months. Functional status was evaluated using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, 0–100%) and time to return to work. Preoperative and postoperative pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS, 0–10). Radiological assessment was performed preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results: The ODI and VAS scores for leg and back pain significantly improved in both groups. At 6-months after the procedure, the average ODI decreased to 13.2?±?11.2 from 54.5?±?14.5 for SELD and 9.5?±?10.4 from 57.5?±?16.0 for OLD. The average leg VAS decreased to 1.9?±?1.2 from 6.0?±?1.4 for SELD and 2.3?±?1.3 from 6.7?±?1.6 for OLD. Back VAS reduced to 2.6?±?1.3 from 7.2?±?1.5 for OLD. Time to return to work was 1.1?±?1.1 weeks for SELD and 5.4?±?2.1 weeks for OLD. Clinical outcomes of SELD were non-inferior to those of OLD in terms of pain control.

Conclusion: A scar-free procedure and early return to normal life are advantages of SELD.     

Co-existence of L5-S1 disc herniation and conus medullaris ependymoma

INTRODUCTION

The lumbar disc herniations are seen very common than spinal ependymomas in the neurosurgery polyclinic routine.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

In our case, both pathologies were seen at the most frequently located levels compatible with the literature.Aim of this case report is, to remind once more that, different pathologies can be found at the same time in a single patient; differential diagnosis must be done very carefully.

DISCUSSION

The routine Computed Tomography (CT) imaging for low back pain can not show the conus medullaris pathology. Spinal tumors or other similar pathologies should be kept in mind for differential diagnosis. A good medical history and a good physical examination must be completed before the final diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Viewing of spinal canal with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will be useful for the patients who we intend to do disc surgery.     

Magnetic resonance anatomic study of iliocava junction and left iliac vein positions related to L5-S1 disc

STUDY DESIGN: An in vivo anatomic study analyzing the venous anatomy in the lumbosacral area was performed. OBJECTIVES: To obtain in vivo data concerning iliocava junction and left common iliac vein positions at L5-S1. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The left common iliac vein and the iliocava junction are at risk during L5-S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Anatomic studies have demonstrated great interindividual variability in this vascular anatomy. METHODS: Magnetic resonance angiography was used to study 134 patients. Image processing was carried out with maximum intensity projection algorithm and the maximum intensity projection and addition algorithm. Iliocava junction position was measured in the maximum intensity projection and addition image. Four groups of junction position were established: very high, high, low, and very low. The left common iliac vein position was measured in axial magnetic resonance images, and three groups were established: lateral, intermediate, and medial. To describe the operative window delimited by the venous structures at L5-S1, the study population was classified into 12 configurations by combining junction position and vein position values. RESULTS: Very high lateral included 3.76% of the patients, high lateral 48.12%, high intermediate 10.53%, high medial 0.75%, low lateral 15.04%, low intermediate 4.51%, low medial 6.77%, very low lateral 0.75%, very low intermediate 2.26%, and very low medial 7.52%. Medial vein position was significantly more frequent in men. CONCLUSIONS: In 18.05% of the study population, the venous structures overlapped the center of the L5-S1 disc, reducing the operative window.     

The transdural approach for thoracic disc herniations: a technical note

Surgery for thoracic disc herniations is still challenging, and the disc excision via a posterior laminectomy is considered risky. A variety of dorsolateral and ventral approaches have been developed. However, the lateral extracavitary and transthoracic approach require extensive surgical exposure. Therefore, we adopted a posterior transdural approach for direct visualization without entry into the thoracic cavity. Three cases that illustrate this procedure are reported here with the preoperative findings, radiological findings and surgical techniques used. After the laminectomy, at the involved level, the dorsal dura was opened with a longitudinal paramedian incision. The cerebrospinal fluid was drained to gain more operating space. After sectioning of the dentate ligaments, gentle retraction was applied to the spinal cord. Between the rootlets above and below, the ventral dural bulging was clearly observed. A small paramedian dural incision was made over the disc space and the protruded disc fragment was removed. Neurological symptoms were improved, and no surgery-related complication was encountered. The posterior transdural approach may offer an alternative surgical option for selected patients with thoracic paracentral soft discs, while limiting the morbidity associated with the exposure.     

Foraminoplastic ventral epidural approach for removal of extruded herniated fragment at the L5-S1 level

The 'foraminoplastic' ventral epidural approach and its advantages in the treatment of extruded disk herniation at the L5-S1 level are described. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure applicable to various types of lumbar disk herniation, but the L5-S1 disk space is still challenging to access due to anatomic limitations such as high iliac crest or severely narrowed foramen. The 'foraminoplastic' ventral epidural approach was performed in 25 patients with herniated disk radiculopathy at L5-S1 from March 2003 to May 2004. Their mean age was 39.2 years (range 20-67 years) and the mean follow-up duration was 32.5 months (range 28-42 months). During the procedure, 'foraminoplasty' was performed by undercutting the hypertrophic superior facet with the endoscopic bone cutter under C-arm guidance. The clinical result was assessed according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Preoperative mean VAS score of 7.4 for leg pain fell to 1.6 postoperatively and mean preoperative ODI of 55.5% improved to 16.9% postoperatively, both showing significant improvements (p < 0.001). Mean hospital stay was 14.2 hours. Twenty-two patients had the favorable outcomes. Two patients required conversion to open microdiscectomy due to incomplete decompression and recurrent disk herniation. The 'foraminoplastic' approach is a safe and efficient surgical option for L5-S1 disk herniation even in patients with high iliac crest and narrow foramen.     

Clinical experience using a minimally invasive surgical approach for total knee arthroplasty: early results of a prospective randomized study compared to a standard approach

There has been recent attention concerning minimally invasive techniques for knee arthroplasty. It is not clear whether these complicated techniques can be reproduced across multiple centers and for all surgeons. This prospective, randomized, multicenter study was carried out to assess safety and efficacy of a minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty. The study consisted of 80 knees. There were no differences in blood loss, operative time for completion of surgery, infection, and ultimate wound healing. There were 4 knees with delayed wound healing in the minimally invasive surgical technique group versus 1 in the standard group, which did not affect outcome. Early clinical and radiographic results were also indistinguishable. At 12 weeks follow-up, there was no difference in mean Knee Society objective and functional scores. In summary, in this study, minimal incision total knee arthroplasty demonstrated no improvement over a standard approach.     

Comparison of a minimally invasive posterior approach and the standard posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty A prospective and comparative study

Background  

It is not clear whether total hip arthroplasty performed via a minimally invasive approach leads to less muscle trauma compared to the standard approach.     

Histological demonstration of the gas precursor in a symptomatic L5-S1 disc herniation containing gas: A case report

Vacuum phenomenon is a commonly observed radiological entity in the degenerated intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine in the elderly population. The entity is frequently asymptomatic. Although disc herniation containing gas (DH-CoG) is commonly associated with the vacuum phenomenon, DH-CoG associated with clinical symptoms is a rare condition. There are very few reports which have histologically demonstrated the existence of the gas itself within DH-CoG. Herein, we report a rare case of a 65-year-old female with symptomatic DH-CoG at L5/S1. The patient was admitted to our hospital with a one-month history of pain in the left buttock and leg in addition to neurogenic claudication. Roentgenograms illustrated a degenerative lumbar spine with the vacuum phenomenon at the L5/S1 disc space. Computed tomography showed a round and low-density lesion within the spinal canal at left L5/S1. Additionally, a lesion characterized by an iso- and partially hypointense signal on T1 and hypointense signal on T2 was detected in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by the spin-echo method. The decision for posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery using pedicle screws was made as the symptoms had not responded to the conservative treatment. After a degenerated prolapsed nucleus was carefully extracted, the specimen was sent to the laboratory for histopathological analysis. The prolapsed nucleus of DH-CoG histologically showed many small vacuoles containing degenerated mucopolysaccharides. The left leg pain drastically resolved on the first post-operative day, and no recurrence had been observed. Degenerated mucopolysaccharide may be a precursor of nitrogen or “the gas itself” in DH-CoG. Surgical intervention for DH-CoG should be considered if conservative treatment fails.