Our Summary

This study investigated the effectiveness of a certain surgical treatment for a condition where the spinal canal in the lower back narrows and becomes unstable. The surgery is called multisegmental transforaminal enlarged decompression (TED) plus posterior pedicle screw fixation.

The researchers looked at 113 patients who underwent this treatment and compared it to a more conventional surgical approach. They measured a variety of factors, including pain levels, disability index, operation time, blood loss, post-operation drainage, length of hospital stay, and any complications. They also checked the space between the spinal discs and the angle of the lower back curve.

The results showed that the TED surgery had a shorter operation time and less blood loss compared to the conventional method. Both methods improved the disability index and reduced pain levels, but the TED method had a higher score in these areas. The spacing and angle improvements were similar in both groups. In terms of patient satisfaction, more patients in the TED group were happier with their results.

In conclusion, the study suggests that the TED surgical method is a safe and effective treatment for this type of lower back condition. It can reduce instability caused by the surgery and significantly improve patient symptoms.

FAQs

  1. What is multisegmental transforaminal enlarged decompression (TED) plus posterior pedicle screw fixation surgery?
  2. How does the TED surgical method compare to more conventional surgical approaches in treating lower back conditions?
  3. What were the key findings from the study regarding the effectiveness and safety of the TED surgical method?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal decompression is to consider the benefits of the TED surgical method for certain lower back conditions. This method has been shown to have shorter operation times, less blood loss, and higher patient satisfaction compared to more conventional surgical approaches. It may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider to see if this option is right for you.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal decompression surgery are those who have a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs. This condition, known as spinal stenosis, can be caused by age-related degeneration, herniated discs, or other spinal conditions. Patients who have not had success with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections may be candidates for spinal decompression surgery. Additionally, patients with spinal instability or deformity may benefit from surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the nerves and improve overall spinal function.

Timeline

Timeline of patient experiences before and after spinal decompression:

Before spinal decompression:

  1. Patient experiences lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, and possibly nerve conduction studies to diagnose the cause of their symptoms.
  3. Patient may undergo conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections to alleviate symptoms.
  4. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, patient may be recommended for spinal decompression surgery.

After spinal decompression:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, including blood tests, medical history review, and discussion of the procedure with their surgeon.
  2. Patient undergoes spinal decompression surgery, which may involve removing part of a herniated disc, bone spurs, or other tissues that are compressing the spinal nerves.
  3. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort immediately following surgery, which is managed with pain medications and physical therapy.
  4. Over the following weeks and months, patient gradually experiences improvement in their symptoms, including reduced pain, numbness, and weakness.
  5. Patient undergoes post-operative follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and address any concerns.
  6. Patient resumes normal activities and enjoys a better quality of life with reduced pain and improved mobility.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is spinal decompression and how does it work?
  2. What specific type of spinal decompression treatment is recommended for my condition?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal decompression surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery time after spinal decompression surgery?
  5. Will I need physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation after the surgery?
  6. How successful is spinal decompression surgery in relieving pain and improving mobility?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options that I should consider before undergoing spinal decompression surgery?
  8. How many spinal decompression surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  9. What should I expect during the surgical procedure and what type of anesthesia will be used?
  10. How long will the effects of spinal decompression surgery last and will I need additional treatments in the future?

Reference

Authors: Sun C, Tian WJ, Liu HX, Guan PG. Journal: Int J Surg. 2018 Feb;50:72-78. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.12.031. Epub 2018 Jan 9. PMID: 29329787