Name: a mobile outside-in technique of transforaminal lumbar endoscopy for lumbar disc herniations
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The protocol follows the guidelines of Nanoori Hospital&#39;s human research ethics committee. A written informed consent was obtained from all the patients with unilateral lower limb radiculopathy due to lumbar disc prolapse. The exclusion criteria were the presence of segmental instability, spondylolisthesis (more than grade 1), and the presence of significant spinal stenosis.
1. Patient Position and Skin Marking
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	<li>Place the patient in the prone position on the radiolucent operatin...

<ol>
	<li>Tzaan, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transforaminal+percutaneous+endoscopic+lumbar+discectomy.">Transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.</a> Chang Gung medical journal. 30 (3), 226 (2007).</li><li>Morgenstern, R., Morgenstern, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Percutaneous+Transforaminal+Lumbar+Interbody+Fusion+(pTLIF)+with+a+Posterolateral+Approach+for+the+Treatment+of+Degenerative+Disk+Disease:+Feasibility+and+Preliminary+Results.">Percutaneous Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (pTLIF) with a Posterolateral Approach for the Treatment of Degenerative Disk Disease: Feasibility and Preliminary Results.</a> International journal of spine surgery. 9, (2015).</li><li>Ying, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effect+and+feasibility+study+of+transforaminal+percutaneous+endoscopic+lumbar+discectomy+via+superior+border+of+inferior+pedicle+approach+for+down-migrated+intracanal+disc+herniations.">The effect and feasibility study of transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy via superior border of inferior pedicle approach for down-migrated intracanal disc herniations.</a> Medicine. 95 (8), (2016).</li><li>Schubert, M., Hoogland, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+transforaminal+nucleotomy+with+foraminoplasty+for+lumbar+disk+herniation.">Endoscopic transforaminal nucleotomy with foraminoplasty for lumbar disk herniation.</a> Operative Orthopadie und Traumat.ologie. 17 (6), 641-661 (2005).</li><li>Telfeian, A. E., Jasper, G. P., Francisco, G. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transforaminal+endoscopic+treatment+of+lumbar+radiculopathy+after+instrumented+lumbar+spine+fusion.">Transforaminal endoscopic treatment of lumbar radiculopathy after instrumented lumbar spine fusion.</a> PainPhysician. 18 (2), 179-184 (2015).</li><li>Kim, H. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analysis+of+clinical+results+of+three+different+routes+of+percutaneous+endoscopic+transforaminal+lumbar+discectomy+for+lumbar+herniated+disk.">Analysis of clinical results of three different routes of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy for lumbar herniated disk.</a> Worldneurosurgery. 103, 442-448 (2017).</li><li>Gore, S., Yeung, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+&amp;#34;inside+out&amp;#34;+transforaminal+technique+to+treat+lumbar+spinal+pain+in+an+awake+and+aware+patient+under+local+anesthesia:+results+and+a+review+of+the+literature.">The &amp;#34;inside out&amp;#34; transforaminal technique to treat lumbar spinal pain in an awake and aware patient under local anesthesia: results and a review of the literature.</a> International journal of spine surgery. 8, (2014).</li><li>Choi, G., Pophale, C. S., Patel, B., Uniyal, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+Spine+Surgery.">Endoscopic Spine Surgery.</a> Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society. 60 (5), 485 (2017).</li><li>Hoogland, T., Schubert, M., Miklitz, B., Ramirez, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transforaminal+posterolateral+endoscopic+discectomy+with+or+without+the+combination+of+a+low-dose+chymopapain:+a+prospective+randomized+study+in+280+consecutive+cases.">Transforaminal posterolateral endoscopic discectomy with or without the combination of a low-dose chymopapain: a prospective randomized study in 280 consecutive cases.</a> Spine. 31 (24), E890-E897 (2006).</li><li>Ruetten, S., Komp, M., Godolias, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+extreme+lateral+access+for+the+surgery+of+lumbar+disc+herniations+inside+the+spinal+canal+using+the+full-endoscopic+uniportal+transforaminal+approach-technique+and+prospective+results+of+463+patients.">An extreme lateral access for the surgery of lumbar disc herniations inside the spinal canal using the full-endoscopic uniportal transforaminal approach-technique and prospective results of 463 patients.</a> Spine. 30 (22), 2570-2578 (2005).</li><li>Johnson, E. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Visual analog scale (VAS). , (2001).</li><li>Fairbank, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Oswestry+disability+index.">Oswestry disability index.</a> Journal of neurosurgery Spine. 20 (2), 239 (2014).</li><li>Macnab, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Negative+Disc+Exploration:+an+analysis+of+the+causes+of+nerve-root+involvement+in+sixty-eight+patients.">Negative Disc Exploration: an analysis of the causes of nerve-root involvement in sixty-eight patients.</a> The Journal of bone and joint surgery. 53 (5), 891-903 (1971).</li><li>Hoogland, T., van den Brekel-Dijkstra, K., Schubert, M., Miklitz, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+transforaminal+discectomy+for+recurrent+lumbar+disc+herniation:+a+prospective,+cohort+evaluation+of+262+consecutive+cases.">Endoscopic transforaminal discectomy for recurrent lumbar disc herniation: a prospective, cohort evaluation of 262 consecutive cases.</a> Spine. 33 (9), 973-978 (2008).</li><li>Yeung, A. T., Tsou, P. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Posterolateral+endoscopic+excision+for+lumbar+disc+herniation:+surgical+technique,+outcome,+and+complications+in+307+consecutive+cases.">Posterolateral endoscopic excision for lumbar disc herniation: surgical technique, outcome, and complications in 307 consecutive cases.</a> Spine. 27 (7), 722-731 (2002).</li><li>Kambin, P., Gellman, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Percutaneous+Lateral+Discectomy+of+the+Lumbar+Spine+A+Preliminary+Report.">Percutaneous Lateral Discectomy of the Lumbar Spine A Preliminary Report.</a> Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 174, 127-132 (1983).</li><li>Hoogland, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Percutaneous+endoscopic+discectomy.">Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy.</a> Journal of neurosurgery. 79 (6), 967-968 (1993).</li><li>Knight, M., Goswami, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Management+of+isthmic+spondylolisthesis+with+posterolateral+endoscopic+foraminal+decompression.">Management of isthmic spondylolisthesis with posterolateral endoscopic foraminal decompression.</a> Spine. 28 (6), 573-581 (2003).</li><li>Pain, B., Telfeian, A. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+retrospective+evaluation+of+the+clinical+success+of+transforaminal+endoscopic+discectomy+with+foraminotomy+in+geriatric+patients.">A retrospective evaluation of the clinical success of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy with foraminotomy in geriatric patients.</a> Painphysician. 16, 225-229 (2013).</li><li>Kim, H. S., Ju, C. I., Kim, S. W., Kim, J. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+transforaminal+suprapedicular+approach+in+high+grade+inferior+migrated+lumbar+disc+herniation.">Endoscopic transforaminal suprapedicular approach in high grade inferior migrated lumbar disc herniation.</a> Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society. 45 (2), 67 (2009).</li><li>Chae, K. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Strategies+for+noncontained+lumbar+disc+herniation+by+an+endoscopic+approach:+transforaminal+suprapedicular+approach,+semi-rigid+flexible+curved+probe,+and+3-dimensional+reconstruction+CT+with+discogram.">Strategies for noncontained lumbar disc herniation by an endoscopic approach: transforaminal suprapedicular approach, semi-rigid flexible curved probe, and 3-dimensional reconstruction CT with discogram.</a> Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society. 46 (4), 312 (2009).</li><li>Anichini, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lumbar+endoscopic+microdiscectomy:+Where+are+we+now?+An+updated+literature+review+focused+on+clinical+outcome,+complications,+and+rate+of+recurrence.">Lumbar endoscopic microdiscectomy: Where are we now? An updated literature review focused on clinical outcome, complications, and rate of recurrence.</a> BioMed research international. , (2015).</li><li>Gotecha, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+role+of+transforaminal+percutaneous+endoscopic+discectomy+in+lumbar+disc+herniations.">The role of transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy in lumbar disc herniations.</a> Journal of craniovertebral junction &amp; spine. 7 (4), 217 (2016).</li><li>Ruetten, S., Komp, M., Merk, H., Godolias, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Recurrent+lumbar+disc+herniation+after+conventional+discectomy:+a+prospective,+randomized+study+comparing+full-endoscopic+interlaminar+and+transforaminal+versus+microsurgical+revision.">Recurrent lumbar disc herniation after conventional discectomy: a prospective, randomized study comparing full-endoscopic interlaminar and transforaminal versus microsurgical revision.</a> Clinical Spine Surgery. 22 (2), 122-129 (2009).</li><li>Weir, B., Jacobs, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reoperation+rate+following+lumbar+discectomy.+An+analysis+of+662+lumbar+discectomies.">Reoperation rate following lumbar discectomy. An analysis of 662 lumbar discectomies.</a> Spine. 5 (4), 366-370 (1980).</li><li>&#xD6;sterman, H., Sund, R., Seitsalo, S., Keskim&#228;ki, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Risk+of+multiple+reoperations+after+lumbar+discectomy:+a+population-based+study.">Risk of multiple reoperations after lumbar discectomy: a population-based study.</a> Spine. 28 (6), 621-627 (2003).</li><li>Xin, G., Shi-Sheng, H., Hai-Long, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Morphometric+analysis+of+the+YESS+and+TESSYS+techniques+of+percutaneous+transforaminal+endoscopic+lumbar+discectomy.">Morphometric analysis of the YESS and TESSYS techniques of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy.</a> Clinical Anatomy. 26 (6), 728-734 (2013).</li><li>Pan, Z., Ha, Y., Yi, S., Cao, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Efficacy+of+transforaminal+endoscopic+spine+system+(TESSYS)+technique+in+treating+lumbar+disc+herniation.">Efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technique in treating lumbar disc herniation.</a> Medical science monitor: international medical journal of experimental and clinical research. 22, 530 (2016).</li></ol>

The study is based on the prospective analysis of 184 patients with lumbar disc disease that were managed at our institute. X-ray imaging, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were done in all cases to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other pathologies. The findings demonstrated on the CT and MRI scans were correlated with a neurologic examination. After the proper diagnosis, patients were operated on with the mobile outside-in technique of PETLD. The exclusion criteria were the presence of...

Chronic low back pain and leg pain are common ailments in any society. The treatment modalities to combat degenerative lumbar disc diseases have been continuously evolving. The armamentarium has been wide, from open surgery and fixation to microlumbar discectomy, and now the endoscopic route1,2,3,4. The transforaminal pathway, initially suggested by Parvez Kambin, is now gradually becoming a standard of care5,6,7. The advantages of full-endoscopic spine surgeries are less soft-tissue dissection, less blood loss, reduced hospital admission days, an early functional recovery, and an enhancement in the quality of life8.
The traditional outside-in approach of PETLD, given by Schubert and Hoogland4, deals with the introduction of a working cannula in the foramen and then an enlargement of the foramen by using reamers. The rationale behind the novel technique of the outside-in approach mentioned here is that it does not solely depend on enlarging the foramen in all cases. The technique focuses on the precise placement of the working cannula within the foramen and then guiding the movement of the cannula toward the target fragment, under endoscopic vision9,10. Anatomically, there are three different routes into the transforaminal space, and if used effectively, percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery with the outside-in technique can be applied to a wider range of lumbar disc herniation. Central, paracentral, and high canal compromised Lumbar Disc Herniation (LDH) is approached by the intervertebral route; foraminal, superiorly migrated, and far lateral LDH is approached by the foraminal route, and inferiorly migrated LDH is approached by the suprapedicular route6. The advantage of this technique is that it preserves the normal anatomical structures with less discal injury, the epidural exposure is easy, and the manipulation of a working cannula in the foramen is not difficult. The technique described differs from the earlier one because it provides a precise vision of the structures within the foramen and focuses on the accurate placement of the cannula within the foramen, rather than on enlarging the foramen. The technique is equally safe as inside-out technique and provides an easy handling of structures, especially the extruded fragments. The goal of this study is to prove the versatility of this novel approach in managing different types of disc prolapse as central, paracentral, foraminal, far lateral, and up and down migration, and in high-canal compromise cases. The technique, however, demands a longer learning curve and so beginners need to be patient while learning.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="651">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:176px;">Contrast dye injection</td>
			<td style="width:347px;">Iobrix injection, Taejoon pharm,Seoul, Korea</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:65px;">S.No. 1</td>
			<td style="width:64px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">0.8% indigo carmine</td>
			<td>Carmine, Korea United Pharmaceutical, Yoenki, Korea</td>
			<td align="right">S.No. 2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:176px;">30 degree endoscope</td>
			<td>Joimax GmbH, Germany</td>
			<td align="right">S.No. 3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Radiofrequency coagulator</td>
			<td>Elliquence, New York, USA</td>
			<td align="right">S.No. 4</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Drill</td>
			<td>Primado 2 NSK, Tochigi, Japan</td>
			<td align="right">S.No. 5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a mobile outside-in technique of transforaminal lumbar endoscopy for lumbar disc herniations

Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy (PETLD) has now become a standard of care for the management of lumbar disc disease. There are two techniques for the introduction of a working cannula with respect to disc&#8212;outside-in and inside-out. The aim of this prospective study is to describe the technical aspects of a novel mobile outside-in method in dealing with different types of disc prolapse. A total of 184 consecutive patients with unilateral lower limb radiculopathy due to lumbar disc prolapse were operated on with the mobile outside-in technique of PETLD. Their clinical outcomes were evaluated based on the type of disc prolapse they had, a visual analog scale (VAS) leg pain score, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Macnab criteria. The completeness of the decompression was documented with a postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The mean age of the patients was 50 &#177; 16 years and the male/female ratio was 2:1. The mean follow-up was 19 &#177; 6 months. A total of 190 lumbar levels were operated on (L1&#8211;L2: n = 4, L2&#8211;L3: n = 17, L3&#8211;L4: n = 27, L4&#8211;5: n = 123, and L5&#8211;S1: n = 19). Divided into types, the patient distribution was central: n = 14, paracentral: n = 74, foraminal: n = 28, far lateral: n = 13, superior-migrated: n = 8, inferior migrated: n = 38, and high canal compromise: n = 9. The mean operative time was 35 &#177; 12 (25 - 56) min and the mean hospital stay was 1.2 &#177; 0.5 (1&#8211;3) days. The VAS score for leg pain improved from 7.5 &#177; 1 to 1.7 &#177; 0.9. The ODI improved from 70 &#177; 8.3 to 23 &#177; 5. According to the Macnab criteria, 75 patients (40.8%) had excellent results, 104 patients (56.5%) had good results, and 5 patients (2.7%) had fair results. Recurrence (including early and late) was seen in 15 out of the 190 levels that were operated on (7.89%). This article presents a novel outside-in approach that relies on a precise landing within the foramen in a mobile manner and does not solely depend upon the enlargement of the foramen. It is more versatile in application and useful in the management of all types of disc prolapse, even in severe canal compromise and high migration.

Outcome Evaluation:
The outcome of the surgery was measured by the VAS leg pain score11, the ODI12, and the Macnab criteria13. These were measured in the preoperative period and during follow-up visits (1 week after the surgery, 3 months after the surgery, and at the last follow-up).
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Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Mobile Outside-in Technique of Transforaminal Lumbar Endoscopy for Lumbar Disc Herniations at JoVE.com

A Mobile Outside-in Technique of Transforaminal Lumbar Endoscopy for Lumbar Disc Herniations

Here we present a protocol of a novel outside-in technique of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniations. The technical aspects of the technique, the wide indications of use, and the results of the treatment in 184 patients are described in detail.

Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy (PETLD) has now become a standard of care for the management of lumbar disc disease. There are ...

The treatment model it is for combating degenerative rheumitis. It has been continuously evolving from open surgery and fixation to microdiscectomy to endoscopy as demonstrated here in. The advantages of full endoscopic spine surgeries are less soft tissue dissection, reduce the blood loss, and half the remission or the functional recovery, and the quality of life the next month.Adjust the patient in the prone position on the radiolucent operating table with the spine in slight flexion and use a marking pen and an image intensifier to mark the midline of the spine as well as the extent of the iliac crest. To indicate the paraspinal skin entry point along the center of the disc space, use the manual back assessment method to check the borderline between the back muscles and the abdominal muscles and mark the skin entry points just medial to this borderline at the mid disc level in both anteroposterior and lateral x-rays. Next, infiltrate two milliliters of subcutaneous local anesthetic around the entry point and make a one centimeter skin incision in the desensitized skin.Insert an 18 gauge spinal needle through the incision at a 25 to 35 degree horizontal angle passing the needle under the image intensifier through the fascia and the back muscles and docking the needle at Camben's triangle near the intervertebral disc. Then, deliver 1.5 milliliters of contrast dye through the needle tip to check the free epidural space within the triangle. Using fluoroscopy, insert the needle into the discal space followed by a delivery of 2 milliliters of 0.8%indigo carmine mixed with contrast agent.For insertion of the endoscope, first insert a guide wire over the needle into the discal space and remove the needle. Slide an obturator through the guide wire into Camben's triangle and anchor the obturator over the surface of the disc space. Then, insert the working cannula through the obturator followed by the introduction of the endoscope into the triangle.Observe the epidural fat and soft tissues from the triangle to the entry into the disc space and use the radio frequency coagulator to clear the soft tissue and blood vessels over the annulus. Use an annular cutter to perform an annular fenestration and enter the annulus under endoscopic vision. Insert the bevel of the working cannula into the fenestrated annulus and lever the cannula downward to obtain an exact half and half view of the epidural and disc spaces.After sufficient decompression of the protruded disc change the trajectory of the cannula toward the symptomatic disc area and check the free floating dural sack exiting route and traversing route to confirm that all free fragments of the disc are removed. Then, rotate the working channel and the endoscope to free the epidural space and image the patient by MRI on the day after the surgery. In this representative clinical study, the age of the study group was 50 plus or minus 16 years and the male to female ratio was two to one.The patients were further divided by type of disc prolapse with over 97%of patients reporting good to excellent MacNab criteria at surgical follow up, and recurrence observed in only 15 out of the 190 levels operated on. More, improvement in the visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores was noted immediately after the surgery, remaining statistically significant through follow up. The future applications of the described technique are for all wide area of disc lumbar prolapses.Even patients with high canal compromise and a down migrated disc can be adequately managed by percutaneous endoscopic transformal lumbar discectomy or PTLD. By precisely targeting the compressing element of the disc this technique can provide an optimal region within the frame to help achieve the desired results. The mobile outside and PTLD technique can be used to treat all types of lumbar disclination including high canal compromise due to the mobility of the working canal toward the target point.This technique can be applied to all types of lumbar disclination at all lumbar levels.

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Medicine

An Anesthesia, Surgery, and Harvest Method for the Evaluation of Transpedicular Screws Using an In Vivo Porcine Lumbar Spine Model

Pedicle screw fixation is the gold standard for the treatment of spinal diseases. However, many studies have reported the issue of loosening pedicle screws after spinal surgery, which is a serious concern. To address this problem, diverse types of pedicle screws have been examined to identify those with good fixation strength and osseointegration in spine bone. The porcine spine is a good alternative for the human spine in the evaluation of pedicle screws due to the anatomical size, mechanical characteristics, and cost. Although several studies have reported that pedicle screws are efficient in the porcine model, no study has described detailed protocols for the evaluation of a pedicle screw using the porcine model. Here, we describe a detailed method for evaluating transpedicular screws using an in vivo porcine lumbar spine model. The technical details for anesthesia, spine surgery, and harvest provided here will facilitate with the evaluation of the transpedicular screw fixation model.

An Anesthesia, Surgery, and Harvest Method for the Evaluation of Transpedicular Screws Using an In Vivo Porcine Lumbar Spine Model

Here, we introduce a method to evaluate transpedicular screws by using an in vivo porcine lumbar spine model.

Pedicle screw fixation is the gold standard for the treatment of spinal diseases. However, many studies have reported the issue of loosening pedicle ...

Ovine Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Utilizing a Lateral Retroperitoneal Drill Bit Injury

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a significant contributor to the development of back pain and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Numerous animal models of intervertebral disc degeneration have been developed. The ideal animal model should closely mimic the human intervertebral disc with regard to morphology, biomechanical properties and the absence of notochordal cells. The sheep lumbar intervertebral disc model fulfils these criteria. We present an ovine model of intervertebral disc degeneration utilizing a drill bit injury through a lateral retroperitoneal approach. The lateral approach significantly reduces the incision and potential morbidity associated with the traditional anterior approach to the ovine spine. Utilization of a drill-bit method of injury affords the ability to produce a consistent and reproducible injury, of precise dimensions, that initiates a consistent degree of intervertebral disc degeneration. The focal nature of the annular and nucleus pulposus defect more closely mimics the clinical condition of focal intervertebral disc herniation. Sheep recover rapidly following this procedure and are typically mobile and eating within the hour. Intervertebral disc degeneration ensues and sheep undergo necropsy and subsequent analysis at periods from eight weeks. We believe that the drill bit injury model of intervertebral disc degeneration offers advantages over more conventional annular injury models.

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a significant contributor to back pain and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Numerous animal models of intervertebral disc degeneration exist. We demonstrate an ovine model of intervertebral disc degeneration, utilizing a drill bit, which achieves a consistent disc injury and reproducible level of disc degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a significant contributor to the development of back pain and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Numerous ...

Targeting Gray Rami Communicantes in Selective Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy

Chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS) is a commonly used, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of conditions including ischemic diseases of the lower extremities, hyperhidrosis, etc. It is commonly practiced to position the puncture needle tip in front of the anterior fascia of the psoas major muscle and inject the inactivating agent around the sympathetic trunk, which is defined as conventional CLS. Although relatively rare, ureteropelvic damage is the most frequently reported complication of conventional CLS and can cause serious harm to patients. We found that injecting the inactivating agent behind the anterior fascia, which only targets gray rami communicantes, helped achieve therapeutic efficacy in&#160;vasodilation, sweat reduction, and pain relief comparable to conventional CLS, and serious complications were largely reduced. We define this procedure as selective CLS. Here, we present a protocol of selective CLS. The precise needle tract and accurate evaluation of the spreading of the contrast agent are critical to ensure that the drug is injected behind the anterior fascia of the psoas major muscle. The needle tip is at approximately one-third the dividing line of the vertebral body in the lateral view of a lumbar X-ray. The contrast is mainly confined around the needle tip and spreads outward and downward along the psoas muscle fibers. In this way, the anterior fascia provides a natural barrier for the ureteropelvic area, and the psoas major muscle provides a natural barrier for the lumbar nerve root. There are several highlights of this article, including 1) a detailed description of the selective CLS procedures, 2) an explanation of the anatomical basis for the implementation of selective CLS, and 3) an explanation of the differences between selective and conventional CLS.

We present a protocol for selective chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS), which inactivates only gray rami communicantes and not the sympathetic trunk. Selective CLS can help achieve therapeutic efficacy in vasodilation, sweat reduction, and pain relief that are comparable to conventional CLS, and serious complications, particularly ureteropelvic damages, can be reduced.

Chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS) is a commonly used, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of conditions including ischemic diseases of the ...

Full-Endoscopic Isolation Zone Technique for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a type of serious sinus or sciatic nerve dysfunction caused by nucleus pulposus protrusion and annulus fibrosus tears. Its clinical symptoms often include severe low back pain, limited lumbar movement, sciatic nerve pain in the lower limbs, and even cauda equina syndrome. The common treatment for LDH is a conservative treatment scheme involving medicine, rest, and physical therapy. However, if the conservative treatment scheme is ineffective, a surgical treatment approach is adopted. Traditional open lumbar surgery has some disadvantages, including the potential for severe surgical trauma, severe blood loss during the operation, instability of the lumbar spine, and loss of the lumbar motor unit. Among the minimally invasive surgical schemes, full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS) is undoubtedly the most appropriate and has the advantages of minimal trauma, high safety, quick postoperative recovery, and the retention of the stable structure and the motor unit of the lumbar spine. However, simultaneously, incomplete removal of the nucleus pulposus and residual nerve dysfunction after surgery can occur. To avoid these shortcomings, we studied a specific spinal endoscopy technique, the "isolation zone" surgical strategy, which can effectively block the pain from the nerve conduction pathway by completely relieving the nerve compression and nerve dysfunction through the orderly treatment of the protruding nucleus pulposus, the fissure of the annulus fibrosus, the sinus nerve, and the surrounding inflammatory soft tissues.

Here, we present a protocol for the &#34;isolation zone&#34; technique in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) under full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS), including intervertebral foramen formation, targeted catheterization, nucleus pulposus resection, and annulus fibrosus formation, which together completely block the pain from the nerve conduction pathway.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a type of serious sinus or sciatic nerve dysfunction caused by nucleus pulposus protrusion and annulus fibrosus tears. Its ...

3D Printing Model of a Patient's Specific Lumbar Vertebra

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a difficult, risky, and sophisticated operation, in which a laminectomy should not only expose an adequate surgical field of view but also protect the patient&#39;s spinal nerves from injury. Digital models play an important role in the pre-and intra-operation of SDR, because they can not only make doctors more familiar with the anatomical structure of the surgical site, but also provide precise surgical navigation coordinates for the manipulator. This study aims to create a 3D digital model of a patient-specific lumbar vertebra that can be used for planning, surgical navigation, and training of the SDR operation. The 3D printing model is also manufactured for more effective work during these processes.
Traditional orthopedic digital models rely almost entirely on computed tomography (CT) data, which is less sensitive to soft tissues. Fusion of the bone structure from CT and the neural structure from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the key element for the model reconstruction in this study. The patient&#39;s specific 3D digital model is reconstructed for the real appearance of the surgical area and shows the accurate measurement of inter-structural distances and regional segmentation, which can effectively help in the preoperative planning and training of SDR. The transparent bone structure material of the 3D-printed model allows surgeons to clearly distinguish the relative relationship between the spinal nerve and the vertebral plate of the operated segment, enhancing their anatomical understanding and spatial sense of the structure. The advantages of the individualized 3D digital model and its accurate relationship between spinal nerve and bone structures make this method a good choice for preoperative planning of SDR surgery.

3D Printing Model of a Patient&#039;s Specific Lumbar Vertebra

This study aims to create a 3D-printed model of a patient-specific lumbar vertebra, which contains both the vertebra and spinal nerve models fused from high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and MRI-Dixon data.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a difficult, risky, and sophisticated operation, in which a laminectomy should not only expose an adequate surgical ...

Clinical Application of Microscope-Assisted Minimally Invasive Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

This study aims to investigate the technical aspects of microscope-assisted anterior decompression fusion and to introduce a spreader system suitable for minimally invasive anterior lumbar interbody fusion (Mini-ALIF). This article is a technical description of anterior lumbar spine surgery under a microscope. We retrospectively collected information on patients who underwent microscope-assisted Mini-ALIF surgery at our hospital between July 2020 and August 2022. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare imaging indicators between periods. Forty-two patients were included in the study. The mean volume of intraoperative bleeding was 180 mL, and the mean operative time was 143 min. The mean follow-up time was 18 months. Apart from one case of peritoneal rupture, no other serious complications occurred. The postoperative foramen and disc height were both higher on average than before surgery. The spreader-assisted micro-Mini-ALIF is simple and easy to use. It can provide good intraoperative disc exposure, good discrimination of important structures, adequate spreading of the intervertebral space, and the restoration of the necessary intervertebral height, which is very helpful for less experienced surgeons.

The technique described in this article is well-suited to the Mini-ALIF procedure, allows for excellent exposure and decompression, and facilitates microscope-assisted manipulation.

This study aims to investigate the technical aspects of microscope-assisted anterior decompression fusion and to introduce a spreader system suitable for ...

A 3-Channel Endoscopic Technique for Lumbar Stenosis and Contralateral Herniation

The Third Channel-Assisted Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Technique for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Combined with Contralateral Disc Herniation

Unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) spine surgery is an emerging minimally invasive surgical (MIS) technique that has gained popularity for treating lumbar spinal stenosis, particularly in Eastern Asia. The traditional UBE technique, with two portals on one side, can achieve successful unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) and, therefore, demonstrates favorable clinical outcomes. However, in the case of lumbar spinal stenosis combined with contralateral disc herniation, it is very difficult to remove the contralateral disc herniation, especially the loose disc fragment within the deep disc. Here, a third channel of the traditional UBE technique was developed to do the discectomy within the ipsilateral endoscopic vision, with which the instruments can go vertically into the contralateral disc, allowing easy discectomy. This technique can not only achieve adequate decompression of the bilateral spinal canal but also effectively remove contralateral herniated disc fragments. This technique avoids performing another UBE procedure on the opposite side, which can potentially shorten the duration of the operation, minimize blood loss and tissue damage, and ensure sufficient neural decompression. This paper will introduce the indications and surgical operation procedures, as well as present a classical case report and follow-up data, to facilitate the application of the third channel-assisted UBE (T-UBE) technique for spine surgeons.

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Potential of TUBE Technique in Spinal Surgery

Here, we present the third channel-assisted UBE technique, which allows for the vertical removal of herniated disc fragments. This technique can effectively address the limitations of traditional UBE techniques. This article will systematically elaborate on this procedure.

Unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) spine surgery is an emerging minimally invasive surgical (MIS) technique that has gained popularity for treating ...

Novel PLL-AF Suture Technique for Annulus Fibrosus Repair in Lumbar Endoscopy

A Suture Technique for Ruptured Annulus Fibrosus Following Decompression Under Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy

The suture technique for a ruptured annulus fibrosus (AF) under full-endoscopy remains challenging. Direct suturing of a ruptured annular tear after full decompression has been shown to decrease the recurrence rate of lumbar disc herniation during endoscopic surgery. Traditional suture operations under endoscopy involve only simple suturing of the ruptured AF. Due to the weak and poor quality of the AF tissue around the tear portal, using this area as needle insertion points during suturing may lead to insufficient tension and a low success rate of AF closure. Currently, there is no detailed technical illustration based on video for AF tear suturing under lumbar full-endoscopy. We innovatively propose a method of covering and suturing the AF tear by pulling up the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) under lumbar endoscopy and using three stitches (PLL-AF suture technique). The patient who received the novel suture technique achieved satisfactory results. Six months after the operation, lumbar MRI showed no evidence of recurrence in the outpatient clinic.

Author Spotlight: Development and Application of a Novel Suture Technique for Annular Fibrosus Repair in Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy

This protocol describes an innovative suture technique for ruptured annular fibrosus during percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy.

The suture technique for a ruptured annulus fibrosus (AF) under full-endoscopy remains challenging. Direct suturing of a ruptured annular tear after full ...

Treating Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with a Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Percutaneous Endoscopic Unilateral-Approach Bilateral Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) involves the narrowing of the spinal canal due to degenerative changes in the vertebral joints, intervertebral discs, and ligaments. LSS encompasses central canal stenosis (CCS), lateral recess stenosis (LRS), and intervertebral foramen stenosis (IFS). The utilization of lumbar endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (LE-ULBD) has gained popularity in the treatment of CCS and LRS. This popularity is attributed to the rapid development of endoscopic instruments and the progress of endoscopic philosophy.
In this technical report, a detailed introduction to the steps and key points of LE-ULBD is provided. Simultaneously, a retrospective review of 132 consecutive patients who underwent LE-ULBD for central canal and/or lateral recess stenosis was conducted. The outcomes after more than two years of follow-up were assessed using the visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and the modified MacNab criteria to evaluate surgical efficacy. All 132 patients underwent LE-ULBD successfully. Among them, 119 patients were rated as "excellent," while 13 patients were rated as "good" based on the modified MacNab criteria during the last follow-up. Incidental dural tears occurred in four cases, but there were no post-operative epidural hematomas or infections. The experience demonstrates that LE-ULBD is a less invasive, effective, and safe approach. It can be considered as an alternative option for treating patients with lumbar central canal stenosis and/or lateral recess stenosis.

Author Spotlight: Scope of LE-ULBD as a Safe, Effective, and Minimally Invasive Approach to Treat Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

The present protocol describes the steps and key points of lumbar endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) involves the narrowing of the spinal canal due to degenerative changes in the vertebral joints, intervertebral discs, and ...

Biportal Endoscopic Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Contralateral Disc Herniation

To begin, prepare for the endoscopic surgery procedure. After inserting a 30 degree endoscope via the viewing channel, insert the surgical instruments and a radiofrequency ablation blade via the working channel to remove the soft tissue on the laminar surface. Remove the soft tissue until the exposure of the lower edge of the L4 lamina, the ligamentum flavum, and the medial edge of the ipsilateral L4-5 facet joint.This establishes the endoscopic operating space. Then using a 3.5 millimeter high-speed drill operating at 8, 000 rotations per second, remove the ipsilateral lower part of the L4 lamina and the upper part of the L5 lamina. Additionally, use Kerrison Punches to remove the medial inferior facet until the ligamentum flavum is fully mobilized.Next, separate the ligamentum flavum from the dural sac and gradually remove it from the cranial to the caudal end with Kerrison Punches or forceps. Then carefully remove the medial facet joint of the L4-5 and the hyperplastic facet joint bone with punches, or by using a soft tissue protection drill until the traversing nerve root is completely decompressed. Remove the base of the L4 spinous process with a drill operating at 8, 000 rotations per second and adjust the working channel obliquely toward the contralateral spinal canal.Undercut the medial part of the contralateral L4 inferior facet. Then fully expose the contralateral ligamentum and remove it using four millimeter Kerrison Punches until adequate dorsal neural decompression. Use a blunt nerve hook to retract and protect the thecal sac and contralateral traversing nerve root or L5.Then expose the contralateral herniated disc fragment.Then insert forceps or other instruments vertically into the contralateral disc space and remove the herniated disc tissues through the third channel. Finally, use a blunt nerve hook to explore the dural sac and bilateral nerve roots to ensure a sufficient spinal decompression. The T-UBE technique was used for the surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis and left-sided lumbar disc herniation at L4-5.A comparison of pre and postoperative CT showed adequate bilateral decompression at the L4-5 level. Also, postoperative MRI showed adequate bilateral decompression at the L4-5 level indicating successful removal of the contralateral disc herniation, no compression at the dural nerve, and increased dural sac area. Moreover, the visual analog scale scores pertaining to low-back pain and leg pain were reduced after surgery and throughout the postoperative follow-up.Similarly, the shifts in Oswestry Disability Index scores reduced post-surgery indicating a successful procedure.