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European Spine Journal

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Open Access 01-03-2017 | Original Article

A randomised controlled trial of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy vs microdiscectomy

Authors: J. N. Alaistair Gibson, Ashok S. Subramanian, Chloe E. H. Scott

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 3/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (TED) minimises paraspinal muscle damage. The aim of this trial was to compare clinical outcomes of TED to Microdiscectomy (Micro).

Methods

143 patients, age 25–70 years and <115 kg, with single level lumbar prolapse and radiculopathy, were recruited and randomised. 70 received TED under conscious sedation and 70 Micro under general anaesthesia. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scores (VAS) of back and leg pain, and Short Form Health Survey indices (SF-36) were measured preoperatively and at 3, 12 and 24 months.

Results

All outcome measures improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). Affected side leg pain was lower in the TED group at 2 years (1.9 ± 2.6 vs 3.5 ± 3.1, p = 0.002). Hospital stay was shorter following TED (0.7 ± 0.7 vs 1.4 ± 1.3 days, p < 0.001). Two Micro patients and five TED patients required revision giving a relative risk of revision for TED of 2.62 (95% CI 0.49–14.0).

Conclusions

Functional improvements were maintained at 2 years in both groups with less ongoing sciatica after TED. A greater revision rate after TED was offset by a more rapid recovery.

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Title: A randomised controlled trial of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy vs microdiscectomy
Authors: J. N. Alaistair Gibson
Ashok S. Subramanian
Chloe E. H. Scott
Publication date: 01-03-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4885-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A randomised controlled trial of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy vs microdiscectomy

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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