New instrument for percutaneous posterolateral lumbar foraminoplasty: case series of 134 with instrument design, surgical technique and outcomes

Current solutions for treating uncontained lumbar disk herniation include laser assisted endoscopic foraminoplasty and Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System, both of which have some issues in clinical practice. This study aims to report the design of a new instrument for percutaneous posterolateral foraminoplasty. 148 patients with uncontained lumbar disk herniation were treated with percutaneous foraminoplasty followed by transforaminal endoscopic discectomy. Follow up were obtained for 134 cases. The VAS scores of pre-operative and post-operative low back pain and sciatica were compared. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and MacNab scores were also obtained. Follow-up was up to 5 years postoperatively. There were 75 of excellent, 49 of good and 5 of fair according to MacNab score system, with total successful rate up to 92.5%. 5 cases with L5S1 disc herniation complained about irritation to the dorsal root ganglion. In conclusion, the new transforaminal endoscopic discectomy instrument is safe and effective for percutaneous foraminoplasty.