Does Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Adolescent Posterior Ring Apophysis Fracture Accompanied with Lumbar Disc Herniation Have Better Outcome Than Lumbar Disc Herniation Alone?

Abstract

Objective This study aims to compare the efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in treating adolescent posterior ring apophysis fracture (APRAF) accompanied by lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and lumbar disc herniation alone. Methods Herein we present a case series of adolescent patients who underwent PELD surgery from June 2017 to September 2021. All patients were divided into two distinct groups (ie Group A and B), based on their preoperative Computed tomography (CT) scans. Group A included patients with PRAF (type III) accompanied by LDH. Group B patients had LDH alone. The general clinical characteristics, clinical outcomes, and complications in patients from the two groups were assessed and compared. Results Compared to before surgery, the back and leg visual analog scores (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were markedly improved in both groups’ patients at all follow-ups. Notably, no significant differences were observed in the back and leg VAS scores, and ODI values between the two groups at different time points after surgery. The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in Group B, relative to Group A. The mean operation time was significantly shorter in Group B, compared to Group A. There was no statistically significant difference in complication and recurrence rates between the two groups. Conclusion APRAF (type III) accompanied by LDH and LDH alone can obtain roughly equal surgical effects through PELD surgery and turns out to be a safe and effective surgical approach.

Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis of Research Hotspots and Frontiers in Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

“…1,2 In recent years, with the rapid development of endoscopic technology, endoscopic lumbar discectomy (ELD), as a minimally invasive surgical technique, has gradually attracted the attention of the medical community and has been widely applied in the treatment of lumbar disc-related diseases. [3][4][5][6] Compared to traditional open surgery, ELD offers advantages such as minimal trauma, faster recovery, and fewer postoperative complications, making it increasingly preferred by both patients and doctors as one of the treatment options. [7][8][9] However, the complexity of spinal anatomy and the intricate surgical techniques involved in ELD present ongoing challenges in research.…”