A new endoscopic technique to decompress lumbar nerve roots affected by spondylolysis

Abstract

<jats:p content-type="fine-print">✓ The authors describe a new endoscopic technique to decompress lumbar nerve roots affected by spondylolysis. Short-term clinical outcome was evaluated. Surgery-related indications were: 1) radiculopathy without low-back pain; 2) no spinal instability demonstrated on dynamic radiographs; and 3) age older than 40 years. Seven patients, four men and three women, fulfilled these criteria and underwent endoscopic decompressive surgery. Their mean age was 60.9 years (range 42–70 years). No subluxation was present in four patients, whereas Meyerding Grade I slippage was demonstrated in three. For endoscopic decompression, a skin incision of 16 to 18 mm in length was made, and fenestration was performed to identify the affected nerve root. The proximal stump of the ragged edge of the spondylotic lesion, and the fibrocartilaginous mass compressing the nerve root were removed. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 22 months (mean 11.7 months). Clinical outcome was evaluated using Gill criteria; in three patients the outcome was excellent, and in four it was good. This new endoscopic technique was useful in the decompression of nerve roots affected by spondylolysis, the technique was minimally invasive, and the clinical results were acceptable.</jats:p>

Conservative treatment for pediatric lumbar spondylolysis to achieve bone healing using a hard brace: what type and how long?

“…pathology termed "ragged edge," which may cause radiculopathy by impinging the nerve root at the lateral recess. 2,3,15 As for the development of spondylolisthesis, lytic vertebrae sometimes suffer slippage during adolescence. 11,12,22,24 More than 70% of patients with bilateral spondylolysis have been reported to have forward slippage to some extent, 21 and slippage sometimes requires surgical treatment.…”

Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal approach to decompress the lateral recess in an elderly patient with spinal canal stenosis, herniated nucleus pulposus and pulmonary comorbidities

“…There are two major options for endoscopic surgery of the lumbar spine: the MED technique and the PED technique . Unlike the MED technique, the PED procedure performed via the transforaminal approach can be conducted with the patient under local anesthesia, as with Hijikata's original technique .…”

Endoscopic Surgery for Cervical Myelopathy due to Calcification of the Ligamentum Flavum

“…12 Endoscopic techniques have been used to treat a variety of spine diseases. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] Foley and Smith 21 developed the microendoscopic discectomy (MED) system to treat lumbar disc herniation. The MED system is a minimally invasive system designed to reduce disruption of the posterior paraspinal muscles.…”