This study was supported by the Okayama Spine Group.

This study was approved by the ethics committee of Okayama Rosai Hospital (No. 305).
1. Patient history taking
<ol>
	<li>Ensure that the patient has a herniated disc that causes severe sciatica. Usually, the patient will have a history of some prodromal low back pain. They may correlate their symptoms with an episode of trauma.</li>
	<li>Ask the patient to describe their radiating leg pain, including its location. Also ask them about the activities that make it better or wor...

<ol>
	<li>Shawky, A. A., Babic, D., Siam, A. E., Ezzati, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Extraforaminal+microscopic+assisted+percutaneous+nucleotomy+for+foraminal+and+extraforaminal+lumbar+disc+herniations.">Extraforaminal microscopic assisted percutaneous nucleotomy for foraminal and extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations.</a> The Spine Journal. 18 (4), 620-625 (2018).</li><li>Mehta, R., 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=Transtubular+endoscopic+posterolateral+decompression+of+the+L5+root+under+navigation+and+O-arm:+A+technical+note.">Transtubular endoscopic posterolateral decompression of the L5 root under navigation and O-arm: A technical note.</a> Acta Medica Okayama. 75 (5), 637-640 (2021).</li><li>Pirris, S. M., Dhall, S., Mummaneni, P. V., Kanter, A. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimally+invasive+approach+to+extraforaminal+disc+herniations+at+the+lumbosacral+junction+using+an+operating+microscope:+Case+series+and+review+of+the+literature.">Minimally invasive approach to extraforaminal disc herniations at the lumbosacral junction using an operating microscope: Case series and review of the literature.</a> Neurosurgical Focus. 25 (2), 10 (2008).</li><li>Kotil, K., Akcetin, M., Bilge, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+minimally+invasive+transmuscular+approach+to+far-lateral+L5-S1+level+disc+herniations:+A+prospective+study.">A minimally invasive transmuscular approach to far-lateral L5-S1 level disc herniations: A prospective study.</a> Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques. 20 (2), 132-138 (2007).</li><li>Stavrinou, P., 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=Navigated+transtubular+extraforaminal+decompression+of+the+L5+nerve+root+at+the+lumbosacral+junction:+Clinical+data,+radiographic+features,+and+outcome+analysis.">Navigated transtubular extraforaminal decompression of the L5 nerve root at the lumbosacral junction: Clinical data, radiographic features, and outcome analysis.</a> BioMed Research International. 2016, 3487437 (2016).</li><li>Heo, D. H., Sharma, S., Park, C. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+treatment+of+extraforaminal+entrapment+of+L5+nerve+root+(far+out+syndrome)+by+unilateral+biportal+endoscopic+approach:+Technical+report+and+preliminary+clinical+results.">Endoscopic treatment of extraforaminal entrapment of L5 nerve root (far out syndrome) by unilateral biportal endoscopic approach: Technical report and preliminary clinical results.</a> Neurospine. 16 (1), 130-137 (2019).</li><li>Watanabe, K., 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=Clinical+outcomes+of+posterior+lumbar+interbody+fusion+for+lumbar+foraminal+stenosis:+preoperative+diagnosis+and+surgical+strategy.">Clinical outcomes of posterior lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar foraminal stenosis: preoperative diagnosis and surgical strategy.</a> Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques. 24 (3), 137-141 (2011).</li><li>Fukui, M., 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=Japanese+Orthopaedic+Association+Back+Pain+Evaluation+Questionnaire.+Part+2.+Verification+of+its+reliability:+The+Subcommittee+on+Low+Back+Pain+and+Cervical+Myelopathy+Evaluation+of+the+Clinical+Outcome+Committee+of+the+Japanese+Orthopaedic+Association.">Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire. Part 2. Verification of its reliability: The Subcommittee on Low Back Pain and Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation of the Clinical Outcome Committee of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association.</a> Journal of Orthopaedic Science. 12 (6), 526-532 (2007).</li><li>Wiltse, L. L., Guyer, R. D., Spencer, C. W., Glenn, W. V., Porter, I. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Alar+transverse+process+impingement+of+the+L5+spinal+nerve:+The+far-out+syndrome.">Alar transverse process impingement of the L5 spinal nerve: The far-out syndrome.</a> Spine. 9 (1), 31-41 (1984).</li><li>Haher, T. R., 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+the+lumbar+facet+joints+in+spinal+stability.+Identification+of+alternative+paths+of+loading.">The role of the lumbar facet joints in spinal stability. Identification of alternative paths of loading.</a> Spine. 19 (23), 2667-2670 (1994).</li><li>Foley, K. T., Smith, M. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Microendoscopic+discectomy.">Microendoscopic discectomy.</a> Techniques in Neurosurgery. 3, 301-307 (1997).</li><li>Tanaka, M., 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=Comparison+of+navigated+expandable+vertebral+cage+with+conventional+expandable+vertebral+cage+for+minimally+invasive+lumbar/thoracolumbar+corpectomy.">Comparison of navigated expandable vertebral cage with conventional expandable vertebral cage for minimally invasive lumbar/thoracolumbar corpectomy.</a> Medicina. 58 (3), 364 (2022).</li><li>Zhang, W., 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=Accuracy+of+pedicle+screw+insertion+in+posterior+scoliosis+surgery:+A+comparison+between+intraoperative+navigation+and+preoperative+navigation+techniques.">Accuracy of pedicle screw insertion in posterior scoliosis surgery: A comparison between intraoperative navigation and preoperative navigation techniques.</a> European Spine Journal. 26 (6), 1756-1764 (2017).</li><li>Ikuta, K., 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=Surgical+complications+of+microendoscopic+procedures+for+lumbar+spinal+stenosis.">Surgical complications of microendoscopic procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis.</a> Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery. 50 (3), 145-149 (2007).</li><li>Frank, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopically+assisted+open+removal+of+laterally+herniated+lumbar+discs.">Endoscopically assisted open removal of laterally herniated lumbar discs.</a> Surgical Neurology. 48 (5), 430-433 (1997).</li><li>Li, Y. Z., 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=Efficacy+and+safety+of+percutaneous+endoscopic+decompression+via+transforaminal+and+interlaminar+approaches+for+lumbar+spine+stenosis:+Protocol+for+a+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis.">Efficacy and safety of percutaneous endoscopic decompression via transforaminal and interlaminar approaches for lumbar spine stenosis: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> Medicine. 99 (1), 18555 (2020).</li><li>Prod'homme, M., Sans-Merce, M., Pitteloud, N., Damet, J., Lascombes, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intraoperative+2D+C-arm+and+3D+O-arm+in+children:+A+comparative+phantom+study.">Intraoperative 2D C-arm and 3D O-arm in children: A comparative phantom study.</a> Journal of Children's Orthopaedics. 12 (5), 550-557 (2018).</li><li>Tanaka, M., 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=Percutaneous+C-arm+free+O-arm+navigated+biopsy+for+spinal+pathologies:+A+technical+note.">Percutaneous C-arm free O-arm navigated biopsy for spinal pathologies: A technical note.</a> Diagnostics. 11 (4), 636 (2021).</li></ol>

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

L5 radicular symptoms are caused mainly by L4-L5 disc herniation or stenosis. These symptoms may also occur due to L5 lumbar foraminal stenosis or L5-S1 lateral lumbar disc herniation (LLDH)9. Of all the symptomatic lumbar disc herniations, L5-S1 FLDH accounts for approximately 3%10. For L5-S1 foraminal lesions, a posterolateral or transforaminal approach is recommended. For this approach, there are three main techniques, such as the microscopic, tube with endoscopic, and f...

Diagnosis and surgeries for lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS) and lumbar lateral disc herniation (LLDH) at the L5-S1 level are challenging for spine surgeons because of this level&#39;s unique structure1. The iliac crest, broad L5 transverse process (TP), small space between the sacral ala and the L5 TP, and osteophytes make the operating window very narrow2. If the bony resection is not enough, inadequate decompression to the L5 nerve root may lead to residual symptoms. Massive bony removal causes postoperative instability. These issues limit surgeons&#39; competencies with foraminal/extraforaminal L5 root decompression. Several reports have shown good results with minimally invasive spine surgeries, such as microscopic or endoscopic procedures in this area to decompress the L5 nerve root3,4. Recently, the use of navigation for foraminal decompression of the L5 root has been reported with good surgical outcomes5.
Fully endoscopic discectomy is becoming popular for removing lateral lumbar disc herniation6. Furthermore, microendoscopic procedures in combination with navigation can help the surgeon to decompress the L5 root with precision2. Usually, these techniques require intraoperative C-arm usage. The goal of this method is to decompress the L5 root precisely with minimum bony resection without a C-arm.
The indications for this technique are extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation and herniation/stenosis of the lateral half of the foraminal lumbar disc. The contraindications are herniation/stenosis of the medial one-third of the foraminal lumbar disc because the scope cannot reach the targeted area2.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>1488 HD 3-Chip camera system</td>
			<td>Stryker</td>
			<td>1000902487</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>16mm Endoscope Attachment, Sterile</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>9560160</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18mm Endoscope Attachment, Sterile</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>9560180</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4K 32&#34; surgical display</td>
			<td>Stryker</td>
			<td>0240-031-050</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Adjustable hinged operating carbon table</td>
			<td>Mizuho OSI</td>
			<td>6988A-PV-ACP</td>
			<td>OSI Axis Jackson table</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L10 AIM light source</td>
			<td>Stryker</td>
			<td>1000902487</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>METRx MED System Endoscope, Long</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>9560102</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>METRx MED System Reusable Endoscope</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>9560101</td>
			<td>Metrx</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>METRx MED System Reusable Endoscope</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>9560101 M</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>METRx MED System Reusable Endoscope, Long</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>9560102</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Navigated high speed bur</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>EM200N</td>
			<td>Stelth&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Navigated passive pointer</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>960-559</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NIM Eclipse system</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>ECLC</td>
			<td>Neuromonitouring</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>O-arm</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>224ABBZX00042000</td>
			<td>Intraoperative CT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stealth station navigation system Spine 7R</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>9733990</td>
			<td>Navigation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical Carts</td>
			<td>Stryker</td>
			<td>F-NSK-006-00</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tubular Retractor, 16mm</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>955-524</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tubular Retractor, 16mm, Long</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>9560216</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tubular Retractor, 18mm</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>9560118</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tubular Retractor, 18mm, Long</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>9560218</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

transtubular endoscopic posterolateral decompression for l5-s1 lumbar lateral disc herniation

We report a novel technique for C-arm free transtubular L5 nerve decompression under CT-based navigation to reduce the radiation hazard. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and neuromonitoring. The patient is placed in a prone position on an operating carbon table. A navigation reference frame is placed percutaneously into the contralateral sacroiliac joint or spinous process. Then, CT scan images are obtained. After instrument registration, the L5-S1 foraminal level is confirmed with a navigated probe, and the entry point is marked. Using an approximately 2 cm skin incision, the subcutaneous tissue and muscles are dissected. The navigated first dilator is aimed at the L5-S1 Kambin&#39;s triangle, and sequential dilation is performed. The 18 mm tube is used and fixed to the frame. The bone around the Kambin&#39;s triangle is removed with a navigated burr. For lateral disc herniation, the L5 nerve root is identified and retracted, and the disc fragment is removed. The navigation-guided tubular endoscopic decompression is an effective procedure. There is no radiation hazard to the surgeon or the operating room staff.

Eight cases (four men, four women) underwent surgery using this new technique. The average age was 72.0 years, and the average follow-up period was 1.5 years. There were five patients with L5/S1 foraminal stenosis, two patients with L5/S foraminal disc herniation, and one patient with L3/4 foraminal disc herniation. We could perform all surgeries without a C-arm. The average surgical time and blood loss were 143 min &#177; 14 min and 134 &#177; 18 mL, respectively.
The average recovery percent...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Transtubular Endoscopic Posterolateral Decompression for L5-S1 Lumbar Lateral Disc Herniation at JoVE.com

Transtubular Endoscopic Posterolateral Decompression for L5-S1 Lumbar Lateral Disc Herniation

Presented here is a novel technique of C-arm free transtubular posterolateral decompression for lumbar foraminal stenosis and lateral disc herniation under O-arm navigation.

We report a novel technique for C-arm free transtubular L5 nerve decompression under CT-based navigation to reduce the radiation hazard. This procedure is ...

Diagnosis and surgery for lumbar foraminal stenosis and lumbar lateral disc herniation at L5-S1 level is challenging to spinal surgeon because of its unique structure. Iliac crest below L5 transverse process, small space between sacral alar and L5 transverse process, and osteophytes make the operating window very narrow. If the bone resection is not enough, inadequate decompression to the L5 nerve root made the residual symptom.Massive bone resection cause postoperative instability. These reason limit the surgeons familiarity with the extraforaminal L5 root decompression. Several reports supported good result with minimally invasive spine surgeries such as microscopic or endoscopic procedure at this area to decompress L5 nerve root.Recently, the use of navigation for foraminal decompression of L5 nerve root has been reported with good surgical results. Truly endoscopic discectomy is getting popular to remove natural disc herniation. Furthermore, microendoscopic procedure in combination with navigation, can help the surgeon to decompress L5 nerve root precisely.Usually, these techniques require intraoperative C-arm usage. The goal of this method is to decompress L5 root precisely with minimal bony resection without C-arm. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Okayama Rosai Hospital.This is a protocol of transtubular endoscopic posterolateral decompression for L5-S1 lumbar lateral disc herniation. Evaluation of radiograms and magnetic resonance imaging. Perform anterior, posterior, and lateral radiography in standing position to check lumbar deformity and spondylolisthesis.If the patient has severe deformity, spinal fusion is indicated. Perform functional radiography in standing position. Check functional radiograms to confirm lumbar instability by measuring vertebral abnormal movement.Perform MRI to accurately assess lumbar disc herniation showing where a herniation has occurred, and which nerves are affected. For lateral lumbar disc herniation, take coronal T2-weighted image to identify the location of the herniated disc. Evaluation of CT and MRI-CT fusion image.CT is important to check the herniated disc is calcified or to eliminate a nerve is compressed by the osteophyte. MRI-CT fusion image is very useful to understand the exact 3D location of herniated disc. Patient positioning and neuromonitoring.Provide general anesthesia to the patient. Ensure that the patient's eyes are not compressed with special face cover. Pay attention to the bolster position not to compress the abdomen of the patient.The neuromonitoring is preferable for this technique. Our system is a multimodality intraoperative motoring system, use to access spinal cord integrity and provide warning potential harm to critical neural pathways. Intraoperative CT and spinal navigation.This computer-controlled flexible full carbon frame is very useful. Transmit the CT 3D reconstructed images to the navigation system automatically by a cable. Navigated instrument registration.Register the navigated pointer director and high-speed burrs by tapping the tip of the different frame hold by manual. Incision and muscle dissection. With the help of a navigated pointer, confirm the location of L5-S1 foraminal level.Make an approximately 2 centimeter longitudinal skin incision. Then dissect the subcutaneous tissue, lumbar iliocostalis, and multifidus muscle along muscle fibers. Doctor navigated fast director at the base of the L5 transverse process using the navigation.Then insert the sequential dilators. Insert the final tube and fix it to the frame. Fix the final tube to the flexible arm assembly primary.Bone resection with navigated high-speed burr. Check the L5-S1 level with the navigated pointer in the navigation monitor. Remove the bone at the base of transverse process and the lateral part of the facet joint with the navigated high-speed burr.Endoscopic disc resection. Identify the L5 nerve root and retract cranially via nerve retractor. Then remove the disc fragment by pituitary forceps carefully.These are the postoperative CT and MRI. Herniated disc and osteophyte are completely removed. Representative results.There are eight cases, four men and four women of this new technique. Average age was 72 years old, and the average follow-up period was 1.5 years. Average surgical time and blood loss were 143 minutes and 134 milliliter, respectively.The average recovery rate of Japanese Association score was 72.3 percentage. There was no surgical complication. In conclusion, our new technique of navigating decompression is very useful to natural L5-S1 lesion.O-arm navigation gives the surgeons 3D image guidance and helps in accurate development of bony elements. Minimum facet resection avoids additional postoperative spinal instability, especially the use of navigated burr, helps real-time dynamic feedback during resection of bony spur. Thank you for your attention.

transtubular-endoscopic-posterolateral-decompression-for-l5-s1-lumbar

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JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

3.5K visualizações.  Okayama Rosai Hospital. O diagnóstico e cirurgia para estenose lombar e hérnia de disco lateral lombar no nível L5-S1 é um desafio para o cirurgião espinhal devido à sua estrutura única. Crista ilíaca abaixo do processo transverso L5, pequeno espaço entre o processo transverso sacral alar e L5, e osteófitos tornam a janela de operação muito estreita. Se a ressecção óssea não for suficiente, a descompressão inadequada à raiz nervosa L5 fez o sintoma residual.Ressecção óssea maciça causa i...