• Lei Liu, Qing Li, Jun Ao, Qian Du, Zhi-Jun Xin, and Wen-Bo Liao.
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China; Joint Orthopaedic Research Center of Zunyi Medical University & University of Rochester Medical Center, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
• World Neurosurg. 2020 Jan 1; 133: 135-141.

BackgroundThe occurrence rate of thoracic spinal stenosis caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum combined with disk herniation is lower than that of ossified ligamentum flavum in the thoracic spine, and the treatment method has rarely been reported. In this paper, we applied an endoscopic technique to a patient with thoracic spinal stenosis caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum combined with disk herniation at the T10-11 level.MethodsWe performed surgical decompression of the thoracic spinal cord for a patient diagnosed with thoracic spinal stenosis at the T10-11 level caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum combined with disk herniation using percutaneous endoscopic surgery via the bilateral translaminar osseous channel approach. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed, and pre- and postoperative neurologic status was evaluated using the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association and visual analog scale scores.ResultsThe ossified ligamentum flavum and herniated disk material were removed through this osseous channel. Postoperative CT and MRI scanning revealed adequate decompression of the spinal cord at the T10-11 level. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 3. At 6-month postoperative follow-up, the patient experienced complete resolution of T12 dermatomal numbness. The strength in her bilateral lower extremities improved slightly to grade 5.ConclusionsWe have applied percutaneous endoscopic surgery via bilateral translaminar osseous channels for the treatment of thoracic spinal stenosis caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum combined with disk herniation. This surgery could provide sufficient decompression for thoracic spinal cord with minimum trauma.Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.

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