Modified eggshell procedure via posterior approach for sclerosing thoracic disc herniation: a preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Spinal Surgery
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Sclerosing thoracic disc herniation presents significant surgical risks and complications.
• The eggshell procedure is an established surgical technique for this condition.
• This study introduces and evaluates a modified eggshell procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on a modified eggshell procedure for treating sclerosing thoracic disc herniation.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this modified surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 25 patients (14 male, 11 female, average age 51.7) with sclerosing thoracic disc herniation.
• Treatment involved the modified eggshell procedure.
• Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score over a minimum 5-year follow-up period.

Main Results:

• The modified eggshell procedure was performed successfully in all cases with a 12% complication rate (2 dural lacerations, 1 subdural hematoma).
• Significant improvement in JOA scores was observed (preoperative median 5 to final follow-up median 8, P < 0.001).
• Neurological status improvement averaged 51.5%, with 15 cases showing good improvement, 8 moderate, and 2 no improvement.

Conclusions:

• The modified eggshell procedure is a safe and effective surgical method for sclerosing thoracic disc herniation.
• This technique leads to significant clinical improvement and positive neurological outcomes.
• It represents a viable option in clinical practice for managing this challenging condition.