Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy in Adolescents

Abstract Background: Lumbar disc herniation in adolescents is relatively rare but poses a serious problem to the patient and the parents. Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PTELD) has several advantages over conventional surgeries because it decreases perioperative complications and increases favorable clinical outcomes. Aim of Study: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PTELD in adolescent patients. Patients and Methods: Adolecence is defined as any person whose age is between 10 and 19 years. This was a retrospective study which included 14 patients aged between 15 and 19 years treated by PTELD for low back pain and sciatica. Clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and follow-up at 2 weeks, 1, 2, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Final results were assessed using the modified MacNab score. All surgeries were done by the same surgeon. Results: Overall there was improvement of clinical and functional outcomes during the postoperative follow-up eval-uation. There were no immediate perioperative complications, such as infection, nerve injury or dural tears but only two patients developed dysathesia and were treated medically. There was no recurrence of herniations as the patients followed a strict postoperative rehabilitation program. Conclusion: PTELD is a minimally invasive technique which is effective and safe for adolescent patients. PTELD decreases the post-operative morbidity and permits faster mobility and rehabilitation.