ObjectiveTo design the method of posterior percutaneous full-endoscopic cervical foraminotomy (P-PECF) for treating cervical osseous foraminal stenosis and analyze its feasibility in clinical application.MethodsThe clinical data of 12 patients with cervical osseous foraminal stenosis who met the selection criteria between October 2015 and June 2017 were retrospectively analysed. There were 7 males and 5 females with an age of 52-63 years (mean, 57.6 years). The disease duration ranged from 15 days to 6 months (mean, 3.7 months). The segments included C4, 5 in 2 cases, C5, 6 in 6 cases, and C6, 7 in 4 cases; all showing root pain or numbness caused by nerve root compression. All patients were treated with the P-PECF technique. At preoperation, immediately after operation, and at last follow-up, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and neck disability index (NDI) were respectively recorded to assess the patient’s quality of life and the pain of neck and arm. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the modified Macnab criteria.ResultsAll operations were successful. The operation time was 71-105 minutes (mean, 82 minutes); the intraoperative blood loss was about 5 mL. The CT of the cervical spine at 1 week postoperatively showed that the cervical root canal was enlarged and the nerve root compression was relieved. The symptoms of neck and arm pain and numbness were relieved; the hospitalization time was 2-5 days (mean, 3 days). All patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 12.3 months). Except for 1 patient’s feeling transient hypoesthesia postoperatively, there was no complication such as hematoma, nerve root injury, or incision infection. The VAS scores and NDI at immediate postoperatively and at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05); and the scores also improved significantly at last follow-up when compared with the scores at immediate postoperatively (P<0.05). According to modified Macnab criteria, the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 91.7%.ConclusionThe P-PECF technique can enlarge the nerve root canal and relieve nerve root compression, and obtain better effectiveness by minimally invasive methods. It is a safe and feasible procedure.
ObjectiveTo review the research progress of total endoscopic minimally invasive technique in treating cervical nerve root canal stenosis (CNRCS).MethodsThe related literature at home and abroad was extensively reviewed. The research history, current situation, research progress, advantages and disadvantages of minimally invasive treatment of CNRCS under total endoscope were summarized.ResultsIn recent years, with the continuous development of minimally invasive technique of total endoscope in spine surgery, the surgical treatment methods are also constantly innovated. Compared with the traditional open surgery, minimally invasive treatment of CNRCS under total endoscope can obtain better effectiveness, keep the stability of the cervical segment to the maximum extent, reduce the impact on the activity of the cervical spine and the occurrence of related surgical complications, which is an effective minimally invasive technology.ConclusionThe minimally invasive treatment of CNRCS under total endoscope has achieved some results, which is expected to be one of the indispensable means to treat CNRCS, but it still needs to be improved.