[Efficacy of posterior microendoscopic foraminotomy for cervical radiculopathy]

To evaluate the clinical results of posterior microendoscopic foraminotomy in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and cervical intervertebral disc protrusion.

From February 2004 to June 2007, 24 cases of cervical radiculopathy received posterior microendoscopic foraminotomy. There were 16 males and 8 females, aging 42-68 years (59 years on average), including 16 cases of cervical radiculopathy and 8 cases of cervical intervertebral disc protrusion. The course of disease was 6-15 months. The affected intervertebral discs were C4, 5 in 8 cases, C5, 6 in 12 cases, and C6, 7 in 4 cases. The radiological examinations showed that 8 protrusions included 6 soft tissue protrusions and 2 rigid tissue protrusions, and that cervical radiculopathy were caused by yellow ligament hypertrophy, Luschka's joint hyperplasia, and abnormal position of facet joint. According to Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), the score before operation was (12.60 +/- 1.52) points.

The operation time was 90 to 120 minutes (100 minutes on average), the bleeding during operation was 100 to 150 mL (120 mL on average). Nerve root pain were relieved completely in 19 cases and were relieved partly in 4 cases. One case of calcified nucleus pulposus had neurological traction injury and recovered completely after 3 months. All cases were followed up 24-36 months (28 months on average). The radiological examinations after operation showed the intervertebral disc site was decompressed completely and the height of intervertebral disc and the cervical segmental alignment were normal. At 24 months postoperatively, the JOA score was (16.10 +/- 0.29) points, showing significant difference when compared with that of preoperation (P < 0.01).

The posterior microendoscopic foraminotomy can get to the operation site with mini-incision, decrease tissue damage during operation, and avoid narrow intervertebral space, so it has satisfactory clinical results.