Date of publication: 2003
Abstract:
Ten patients were randomly selected for retrospective analysis. They were
followed over a period of up to 2 ¨ö years (average 14 months). These patients
all had contained, relatively soft, herniated lumbar discs and met the
criteria for Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy as described in Surgical
Neurology. Volume 49, Number 6. pp.588-598 June 1998.
The ten patients ranged in age from 20 to 59 with eight males and two
females. Open microdiscectomy had been previously recommended in all cases.
Instead of an open operation, they underwent outpatient Transforaminal
Endoscopic Discectomy as described in Surgical Neurology, June 1998.
After the endoscopic procedure, all patients had traction/distraction therapy
for an extended period of weeks to months, according to a protocol, which
called for gradually increasing the weight, time and frequency up to a
maximum of sixty pounds or one third of the body weight (whichever was less).
Results (MacNab Criteria): Nine excellent, one good.
Conclusion: All patients noted benefit from the traction/distraction
positioning and it was felt to be a significant factor in optimizing the
patient's recovery following minimally invasive spine surgery.
