Comparative evaluation of posterior percutaneous endoscopy cervical discectomy using a 3.7 mm endoscope and a 6.9 mm endoscope for cervical disc herniation: a retrospective comparative cohort study

Abstract Background Posterior percutaneous endoscopy cervical discectomy (p-PECD) is an effective strategy for the treatment of diseases, with a working cannula ranging from 3.7 mm to 6.9 in diameter. However, date, no studies have been performed compare clinical outcomes use endoscopes different diameters disc herniation (CDH) patients. The purpose this study was patients unilateral CDH treated p-PECD using endoscope and endoscope. Methods From January 2016 June 2018, total 28 consecutive single-level who received either or were enrolled. results, including surgical duration, hospitalization, visual analog scale (VAS) score modified MacNab criteria, evaluated. Cervical fluoroscopy, CT, MRI also during follow-up. Results Tthere significant difference regard average identification time “V” point (18.608 ± 3.7607 min vs. 11.256 2.7161 min, p < 0.001) mean removal overlying tissue (16.650 4.1730 12.712 3.3079 0.05) endoscope, respectively. postoperative VAS scores two significantly improved compared those preoperative ( 0.05). Conclusion application both represent method selected patients, can be observed endoscopes. shows superiority terms efficiency identification, soft prevention spinal cord injury. may inferior regards anterior foraminal decompression due its large diameter; result needs further evaluated support number randomized controlled trials.