Efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic spine system technique in treating lumbar disc herniation complicated withI degree stability of lumbar spondylolisthesis

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of transforanminal endoscopic spine system(TESSYS)technique in treating lumbar disc herniation complicated with Ⅰ degree stability of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods Thirty-two patients with lumbar disc herniation, aged 51-82 yr, weighing 52-93 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅠ or Ⅱ, were randomly divided into 2 groups(n=16 each)according to whether patients had lumbar spondylolisthesis: lumbar disc herniation group(Y group)and lumbar disc herniation combined with I degree stability of lumbar spondylolisthesis group(Y+ Z group). Extirpated protrusion, plasty ligamenum flavum and posterior longitudinal ligament and nerve root decompression were carried out using TESSYS technique in two groups, and in addition excision of osseous neoplasias and retro-positioned posterior margin of lumbar vertebral body was done in group Y+ Z.Pain was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)score at 1 day before surgery and 3 days and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.Patient′s function was assessed by using the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)at 1 day before surgery and 12 months after surgery.The therapeutic effect was evaluated using modified Macnab criteria at 12 months after surgery. Results Compared with the baseline at 1 day before surgery, VAS scores were significantly decreased at each time point after surgery, and ODI was decreased at 12 months after surgery in two groups(P 0.05). Conclusion TESSYS technique can be used to treat lumbar disc herniation complicated with Ⅰ degree stability of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Key words: Intervertebral disk displacement; Endoscopes; Surgery, minimally invasive