Upper endplate nonunion after transcorporeal percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy: A case report

Transcorporeal percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (TcPECD) destroys the integrity of the vertebral body. We herein discuss its long-term risks and avoidance measures. Case presentation: A 44-year-old woman underwent TcPECD. Although her upper limb symptoms were relieved after the operation, the bone channel did not heal and the endplate of the segment was altered. She consequently developed chronic neck and shoulder discomfort.

Careful preoperative planning is needed to avoid non-healing of the bone channel following TcPECD. The diameter of the bony channel should be as small as possible and the channel should be opened at the posterior edge of the upper endplate to avoid collapse.