[Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar decompression, bone graft fusion and pedicle screw fixation under X-tube system: report of 42 cases].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the surgical procedure of unilateral transforaminal discectomy, bone grafting, cage (Telamon) insertion and Dylanok pedicle screw fixation using X-tube operation system for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation combined with segmental instability and Spondylolysis with pars defect.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2006, 42 patients including 17 male and 25 female were treated in our department. The age range from 22 to 77 (mean: 51.6). Etiologies including lumbar disc herniation combined with segmental instability and Spondylolysis with pars defect.

RESULT: Of these 42 patients, the mean operation time was 240 min (110 - 320 min), the average blood loss was 140 ml (80 - 420 ml), the average incision length was 3 cm (2.8 - 3.2 cm) and the average hospitalization time was 12.5 days (5 - 25 days). Nakai criteria, Excellent in 23 cases (62.2%), good in 11 cases (29.2%) and fair in 3 cases (8.6%). 5 patients had postoperative complication (complication rate: 16.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical procedure has shown predominant benefits: small incision, less stripping of paraspinal muscles, minimal blood loss and rapid postoperative recovery which makes it a valuable alternative to conventional surgical procedures.