Clinical evaluation of transforaminal endoscopic spine system in the treatment of sequestered lumbar disc herniation

Objective To evaluate the surgical techniques and clinical results of transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) in the treatment of sequestered lumbar disc herniation. MethodsA total of 68 patients with sequestered lumbar disc herniation who were treated with TESSYS were enrolled into the current study and their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. The efficacy of the surgery was assessed according to MacNab criteria, while their visual analog scores (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated. ResultsAll the patients were followed up for one year on average. Their VAS was (2.33±1.34) three months after surgery and (1.26±0.73) one year after surgery, which were remarkably improved compared with the VAS before surgery(8.11±2.23) (P＜0.01). Their ODI was (25.13±11.32) three months after surgery and (12.23±6.17) one year after surgery, which were remarkably improved compared with the ODI before surgery (66.5±18.23) (P＜0.01). According to MacNab criteria, the outcome was excellent in 40 patients (59％), good in 23 patients (34%), fair in 3 patients (4%) and poor in 2 patients (3%), with an overall excellence rate of 93%. ConclusionsTESSYS is an effective method to treat sequestered lumbar disc herniation, with less trauma, better recovery and definite therapeutic efficacy. Both correct targeting puncture and careful exploration during operation are essential.