Clinical application of large channel endoscopic decompression in posterior cervical spine disorders

BACKGROUND: We investigated the clinical value of posterior percutaneous endoscopic decompression (PED) for single-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). Methods: Clinical data from February 2016 to March 2018 were collected for 32 patients with single-segment CSM or CSR who underwent posterior cervical percutaneous large channel endoscopic decompression and completed a regular follow-up exam at 12 months after surgery. Patient data included: age (range 30–81 years and mean of 49.5 years) and surgical information (operation time, bleeding volume, hospital stay, complications, etc.). The Japan Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and pain visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the surgical outcome for each patient. Cervical spine radiographs were used to evaluate cervical curvature (Cervical spondylotic angle (CSA), C2–7 Cobb angle) and CT and MRI were used to assess the extent of laminectomy and nerve root decompression. The JOA score, VAS score, cervical curvature were analyzed statistically, and the clinical outcome was evaluated using modified Macnab criteria at the last patient follow-up exam. RESULTS: The JOA and VAS scores were compared before and after surgery (1 day Pre-op; 3 days, 3 months and 12 months Post-op). The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in cervical curvature (C2–7 Cobb angle) between the time points (1 day Pre-op; 3 days, 3 months and 12 months Post-op), but the differences were no statistically significant in CSA angle (P < 0.05) The operation time range was 45–110 min (mean 68.6 ± 23.8 min); the intraoperative blood loss range was 20–85 ml (mean28 ± 14.8 ml), and the hospital stay was 3–8 days (mean4.5 days). At the last follow-up, the clinical efficacy was evaluated using modified Macnab criteria. The results were excellent in 18 cases, good in 11 cases, and fair in 3 cases. The combined excellent and good rate was 93.75%. Postoperative CT and MRI showed that the compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots was completely relieved. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic decompression of posterior cervical vertebral disorders is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive surgical procedure with rapid recovery times. This procedure warrants additional research and clinical application.