Original Article New instrument for percutaneous posterolateral lumbar foraminoplasty: case series of 134 with instrument design, surgical technique and outcomes

Current solutions for treating uncontained lumbar disk herniation include laser assisted endoscopic fo- raminoplasty and Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System, both of which have some issues in clinical practice. This study aims to report the design of a new instrument for percutaneous posterolateral foraminoplasty. 148 patients with uncontained lumbar disk herniation were treated with percutaneous foraminoplasty followed by trans- foraminal endoscopic discectomy. Follow up were obtained for 134 cases. The VAS scores of pre-operative and post- operative low back pain and sciatica were compared. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and MacNab scores were also obtained. Follow-up was up to 5 years postoperatively. There were 75 of excellent, 49 of good and 5 of fair according to MacNab score system, with total successful rate up to 92.5%. 5 cases with L5S1 disc herniation complained about irritation to the dorsal root ganglion. In conclusion, the new transforaminal endoscopic discectomy instrument is safe and effective for percutaneous foraminoplasty.