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Ultrasonic total uncinectomy may be effective for cervical nerve root decompression
Ultrasonic total uncinectomy can be an effective treatment for complete decompression of cervical nerve roots when central and foraminal pathology dictates an anterior approach, according to recently published data.
Researchers investigated a case series of 38 patients who underwent single-level or multilevel ultrasonic total uncinectomy (UTU) in combination with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to treat cervical radiculopathy or myeloradiculopathy. Sixty-six discs were removed in combination with 44 uncinate processes. Although no bilateral uncinectomies were performed, six patients underwent two-level UTUs when radiographic evidence showed severe foraminal stenosis at two adjacent levels and the patients had symptoms at two different nerve roots, or when the symptoms could not be traced definitively to only one root. Mean follow-up was 28 weeks, and all patient data were analyzed retrospectively.
At follow-up, patients’ mean Neck Disability Index and VAS scores for neck and arm pain improved from 42%, 4.9% and 6.8%, respectively, before surgery to 23%, 2.6% and 2.1%, respectively, following the procedures. Upon reviewing postoperative CT scans and oblique radiographs, the researchers also found complete decompression of the neural foramen following UTU. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosure: Pakzaban has served as a research consultant for Misonix but reports that no financial support was received for this study from Misonix or any other entity.