Early outcome of posterior cervical endoscopic discectomy: an alternative treatment choice for physically/socially active patients.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is currently the standard treatment for cervical disc disease. Some patients wish to be treated with a less invasive method, because of their social/physical situations. Here we present one method of treatments for socially/physically active patients. Three patients had triceps weakness and mild posterior neck pain. The offending lesions were at the C6-7 level. All were middle-aged soldiers with families. If conventional ACDF were performed, they would have to retire from the military according to the regulation. They had to be able to perform military drills after the treatment if they were going to be able to keep their jobs. Because of their social/physical situations, all wanted to choose method with that they could treat the disease and keep their jobs. For these reasons, the posterior cervical endoscopic discectomies were performed. Ruptured fragments were successfully removed in all. The arm pain improved by more than 90% in two patients by 7 days and in the other patient by 2 months, respectively (excellent outcome by Macnab's criteria). None of the operations caused instability. All of the patients are currently able to successfully perform their military drills without difficulty. The posterior cervical endoscopic discectomy may be a promising alternative for the physically/socially active patients.
Kim
Chi Heon
CH
Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Chung
Chun Kee
CK
Kim
Hyun Jib
HJ
Jahng
Tae Ahn
TA
Kim
Dong Gyu
DG
D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D017586:Diskectomy; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome