CT-Guided Posterolateral Full-Endoscopic Ventral Decompression for Single-Level Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures

Background:

• Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative condition affecting the spinal cord.
• Percutaneous full-endoscopic surgery has shown promise for other cervical spine conditions.
• Limited research exists on endoscopic approaches for CSM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of posterolateral full-endoscopic ventral decompression (PLEVD).
• To assess CT-guided PLEVD in patients with single-level CSM.
• To observe neurological improvement and pain reduction post-procedure.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study involving 21 patients with single-level CSM.
• CT-guided PLEVD performed via a posterolateral approach.
• Evaluation using Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and maximum spinal canal diameter (MSCD) measurements.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in limb pain (VAS scores) and improvement in neurological function (JOA scores).
• Nineteen out of 21 patients achieved good or excellent outcomes.
• Mean maximum spinal canal diameter increased significantly post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• CT-guided PLEVD is a safe and feasible surgical option for single-level CSM.
• The technique demonstrates efficacy in improving neurological function and pain.
• Further nonrandomized, preliminary clinical results support its use under appropriate indications.