Eccentric technique for foraminoplasty in percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal procedure: A technical note

Abstract Objective To describe a modified technique usied for foraminoplasty in percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal procedure. Methods 58 patients (20 males and 38 females, average age 52.5 years) underwent percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal procedure by using our modified technique. Under the guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy, a kirschner wire was inserted into targeted superior articular process. After expanding the soft tissues, a trepan with the largest diameter was located through the kirschner wire and the angle of trepan was flexible enough to adjust to different operative conditions. This technique could help to avoided using step-by-step larger diameters of trepans without slippage during foraminoplasty. Results With our modified technique, the mean operation time was 65 min (range 50–80 min) and mean estimated blood loss was 12 ml (range 10–30 ml). Fluoroscopy was less (the mean duration of fluoroscopy was 20.4 ± 9.2 s and the mean radiation dose was 0.9 ± 0.2 mSv) and no complications occurred. All foraminoplasties were excellent via CT scans after surgery and all patients were discharged on 2nd day after operation. The results of 58 patients with an average follow-up of 18 (6–36) months demonstrated our eccentric technique to be effective. Conclusion Our eccentric technique could help to avoid step-by-step larger diameters of trepans during foraminoplasty to shorten operation time and reduced the number of fluoroscopy intraoperative.