Comparison of Early Postoperative Recovery and Radiologic Outcomes Between Microscopic and Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy for Cervical Radiculopathy

Objective

This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between microscopic and unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF).

Methods

This study included 73 patients who underwent microscopic PCF (n = 40) or UBE PCF (n = 33) for single-level cervical foraminal disc herniation or stenosis between January 2018 and December 2021. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Radiologic outcomes were evaluated with cervical range of motion (ROM) using computed tomography and flexion-extension dynamic radiography.

Results

The mean follow-up period for microscopic and UBE PCF was 33.0 ± 7.6 months and 29.9 ± 5.9 months, respectively. The postoperative neck VAS until postoperative 2 weeks was significantly lower in the UBE PCF group than in the microscopic PCF group (p < 0.05). The estimated blood loss and operative time were significantly lower in the UBE PCF group than in the microscopic PCF group, while the length of hospital stay was numerically shorter but did not reach statistical significance. The two groups had no significant difference in the NDI on the preoperative and postoperative 3 months. The recurrence occurred in 1 patient (2.5%) of the microscopic PCF group and 1 patient (3%) of the UBE PCF group. The revision surgery was performed in 2 patients (5%) of the microscopic PCF group and in 1 patient of the UBE PCF group. There were no significant differences in motion and instability between the two groups.

Conclusions

Both microscopic and UBE PCF are effective and safe procedures for treating cervical radiculopathy due to cervical foraminal disc herniation or stenosis. The UBE approach may provide advantages mainly in early postoperative recovery, including lower early postoperative neck pain, while long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes appear comparable to those of microscopic PCF.