AUTHOR=Zhang Peng , Jin Yanghui , Zhu Bo , Zheng Mingfeng , Ying Xiaozhang , Zheng Qi TITLE=Unilateral biportal endoscopic foraminotomy and diskectomy combined with piezosurgery for treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with neuropathic radicular pain JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology VOLUME=14 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2023.1100641 DOI=10.3389/fneur.2023.1100641 ISSN=1664-2295 ABSTRACT=Objective

Unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) represents a relatively recent development in minimally invasive spine surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of UBE foraminotomy and diskectomy combined with piezosurgery for treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) with neuropathic radicular pain.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes in 12 patients with CSR who underwent UBE foraminotomy and diskectomy combined with piezosurgery. The intraoperative blood loss, operative time, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for the neck and arm, neck disability index (NDI) scores, and complications were recorded.

Results

Postoperative VAS scores of the neck and arm and NDI scores were significantly improved. Additionally, a postoperative CT scan revealed adequate enlargement of the cervical canal and nerve root. No specific complications occurred during surgery and the immediate postoperative period.

Conclusions

This primary study indicated that the UBE foraminotomy and diskectomy with piezosurgery is a promising technique for treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with neuropathic radicular pain.