The use of traditional open decompression alone in degenerative spondylolisthesis can lead to the development of postoperative spinal instability, whereas percutaneous endoscopic decompression can preserve the attachment of intervertebral muscles, facet joint capsules, and ligaments that stabilize the spine. The study’s aim was to determine clinical as well as radiologic outcomes associated with interlaminar percutaneous endoscopic decompression in patients with stable degenerative spondylolisthesis. For this study, 28 patients with stable degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent percutaneous endoscopic decompression were enrolled. The clinical outcomes in terms of the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated. Radiologic outcomes were determined by measuring the ratio of disc height and the vertebral slippage percentage using lateral standing radiographs. The average follow-up period was 25.24 months. VAS and ODI were significantly improved at the final follow-up. In terms of ratio of disc height and vertebral slippage percentage found no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative periods. One patient underwent further caudal epidural steroid injection. One patient underwent fusion because their radicular pain did not improve. Interlaminar percutaneous endoscopic decompression is an effective procedure with favorable outcomes in selected patients with stable degenerative spondylolisthesis.

ObjectiveGap planning in navigated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a critical concern. Osteophytes are normally removed prior to gap planning, with the exception of posterior condylar osteophytes of the femur, which are removed after posterior condylar resection. This study investigated how posterior condylar osteophytes affect gap balancing during surgery.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted on 40 primary varus osteoarthritic knees with a posterior condylar osteophyte that underwent TKA navigation. For all knees, computed tomography (CT) was performed to evaluate osteophyte position. The extension gap and flexion gap were determined under navigation using a tension device with a distraction force of 44 lb. The extension gap and flexion gap were measured before and after osteophyte removal.ResultsThis study revealed that the average osteophyte thickness after removal was 7.75 ± 5.34 mm. The average extension gap change was 0.64 ± 0.80 mm, and the average flexion gap change was 0.85 ± 1.12 mm. With respect to increases in the medial extension gap, lateral extension gap, medial flexion gap and lateral flexion gap, the average effects of posterior condylar osteophyte removal were 0.74 ± 0.81 mm, 0.53 ± 0.96 mm, 0.71 ± 0.97 mm and 1.00 ± 1.41 mm, respectively. Posterior condylar osteophyte thickness was also significantly associated with increases in the lateral extension gap (R2 = 0.107, p = 0.03), medial flexion gap (R2 = 0.101, p = 0.04) and lateral flexion gap (R2 = 0.107, p = 0.04).ConclusionThese results indicated that posterior condylar osteophytes of the femur affect gap balancing during TKA navigation.

Objective. To report a nationwide survey of the endoscopic spine surgeons across Thailand. Furthermore, the survey will be focused on the perspective of experience, learning curve, motivations, and obstacles at the beginning of their practices. Materials and Methods. The online survey consisting of 16 items was distributed to spine surgeons who are performing endoscopic spine surgery in Thailand via the Google forms web-based questionnaire to investigate participants’ demographics, backgrounds, experience in endoscopic spine surgery, motivations, obstacles, and future perspectives. The data was recorded from January 7, 2020 to January 21, 2022. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results. A total of 42 surveys were submitted by 6 neurosurgeons (14.3%) and 36 orthopedic surgeons (85.7%). From the surgeons’ perspective, the average number of cases that should be performed until one feels confident, consistently good outcomes, and has minimal complications was 27.44 ± 32.46 cases. For surgeons who starting the endoscopic spine practice, at least 3 workshop participation is needed. Personal interest (39 selected responses) and trending marketing or business purpose (25 selected responses) were the primary motivators for endoscopic spine surgery implementation. Lack of support (18 selected responses) and afraid of complications (16 selected responses) were pertinent obstacles to endoscopic spine surgery implementation. Conclusions. The trend of endoscopic spine surgery has continued to grow in Thailand, shown by the rate of implementation of endoscopic spine surgery reported by Thai spine surgeons. The number of appropriate cases until one feels confident was around 28 cases. The primary motivator and obstacles were personal interest and lack of support.