Introduction

Cervical radiculopathy is a common cervical spine condition which is potentially disabling with nerve root dysfunction [1]. Increasing prevalence of sedentary occupation with overuse of computer technology, laptops and handheld devices may lead to higher incidence of cervical radiculopathy and cervical degeneration in the long run due to poor neck posture. At least 6 weeks of conservative therapy is recommended for of cervical radiculopathy without myelopathy [1]. The symptoms of cervical radiculopathy may subside as the inflammatory cytokines released from the prolapsed intervertebral disc abates over time. However, mechanical compression may remain despite symptomatic management. Time to recovery ranged from 2 to 3 years in 83% of the patients [2]. A proportion of patients suffer significant disabling symptoms despite conservative management [2]. Anterior approaches treatment options such as cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR) are popular treatment options for cervical radiculopathy [3]. However, it involves sacrificing an intervertebral disc in the process of increasing the foraminal height and decompressing the foramen. Adjacent segment disease and pseudoarthrosis and being the commonest postoperative complications of anterior cervical surgery with an overall complication rate of anterior cervical surgery ranges from 13.2 to 19.3% [4]. Posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) has the advantage of motion preservation from conservation of the intervertebral disc and is a popular alternative to ACDF and ADR with good clinical results [5,6,7]. However, there is potential significant perioperative morbidity from neck pain and wound issues in conventional open cervical foraminotomy which limits the enthusiasm of this treatment option. The development endoscopy started with addressing lumbar spinal issues had evolved to provide solutions for the cervical spine [8]. It has the advantage of being a minimally invasive technique which conserves soft tissue, while achieving cervical foraminal decompression and discectomy for prolapsed intervertebral disc and foraminal stenosis [8,9,10]. It may avoid excessive resection of facet which can lead to instability of cervical spine [11]. There is paucity of literature on radiological evaluation of the amount of foramen decompression achieved by posterior endoscopic cervical decompression by foraminotomy and/or discectomy (PECD). There are also limited number of studies on the midterm clinical outcomes of patients who underwent PECD. The purpose of this study was to determine our working hypothesis that: (1) there would be a significant increment in foramen size after PECD and (2) there would be a corresponding sustained improved clinical outcomes in patients who underwent PECD at 2 years. In this study, we prospectively followed up a cohort of patients who underwent uniportal posterior full endoscopic cervical decompression by foraminotomy and discectomy for 2 years and retrospectively evaluated their radiological and clinical outcomes.

Materials and methods

Patients’ demographics

This clinical study was reviewed by institutional review board of Nanoori Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. The informed consent was obtained from all patients participated in study.

From November 2016 to December 2018, 25 patients presented with cervical radiculopathy accounted for 29 levels of uniportal posterior endoscopic cervical decompression (PECD) surgeries in our institute. We included patients who presented with unilateral intractable cervical radiculopathy and failed conservative treatment for more than 6 weeks. They had concordant magnetic resonance imaging finding of (1) unilateral soft cervical intervertebral disc herniation with 2/3 of the bulk of cervical intervertebral disc material being lateral to the lateral margin of the thecal sac on MRI axial view and/or (2) cervical nerve root compression by cervical foraminal stenosis contributed by bulging lateral degenerative disc, hypertrophy in uncoverterbral joint and/or facet joint. We excluded patients with contraindications for posterior endoscopic cervical decompression: (1) calcified central disc, (2) instability of cervical spine, (3) significant cervical kyphosis of more than 10°, (4) advanced cervical myelopathy and (5) predominant axial neck pain. We also excluded patients with psychiatric comorbidities. The demographic variables examined were the following: age, sex, diagnosis levels of decompression, duration of surgery and duration of follow-up.

Outcomes measure

There was a standardized prospective follow up protocol at postoperative 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, 1 years and 2 years. As patients entered the study at different time points, we retrospectively analyzed clinical data collected at postoperative 1 week, 3 months and final follow up. Each follow-up consisted of history taking, clinical examination and answering of clinical questionnaires. Clinical data of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) [12] and Neck Disability Index( NDI) [13] from preoperative,1 week post-operative,3 months post-operative and final follow-up as well as MacNab’s Criteria [14] for pain relief were collected prospectively. An anteroposterior and lateral cervical roentgenogram were done in each visit. At follow-up of 6 months onwards, flexion and extension films assessment were added. The clinical notes data were analyzed by 2 experienced Korean Spine Surgeons (YJL and DHK) who were not involved in the care of the study subjects. Post-operative complications, any recurrence of the same or adjacent levels, reoperations and neurological deficits were documented. Workstation software (Infinitt, inc, Seoul, Korea) was used for radiological variables measurement by 3 experienced spine surgeons (PHW, YJL, DHK) who were not involved in management of the study subjects. Preoperative computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and plain roentgenogram were obtained in all cases. Instability was defined as motion > 3 mm at the operative segment or any adjacent segments on cervical dynamic XR imaging [15]. MRI was assessed for the cause of cervical radiculopathy. The position and size of disc, uncal vertebral hypertrophy and foraminal stenosis were noted. CT data comparisons were made from images obtained preoperatively and 1 day post operatively in both sagittal and coronal parameters. We used INFINITT PACS M6 Version (INFINITT Healthcare Corporation, Seoul, Republic of Korea) for evaluation of the images. The comparison was made on the pre-operative and post-operative sagittal area, cranio-caudal length and ventro-dorsal length of cervical foramen. We did not measure axial CT cut foramen changes due to significant variability of dimensions contributed in part to the complex, oblique orientation of the cervical neuroforamen with only fair interrater reliability. We measured the foraminal parameters at the most medial sagittal cut of CT cervical spine that could show both the pedicles of cephalad and caudal vertebra as well as superior and inferior articular facet for evaluation. If articular facet was absent or disrupted postoperatively in the corresponding cut, we evaluated the structure and shape of the pedicles to determine the corresponding sagittal cut (Fig. 1). Cranial-caudal length (CCL) was measured from the highest point of the foramen to the lowest point of the foramen in the same corresponding cut in pre- and post-operative CT scan. Preoperative ventro-dorsal length (VDL) was measured by connecting the most dorsal part the intervertebral disc space at the posterior vertebral body margin to the anterosuperior tip of the superior articular process of caudal vertebra. In the corresponding postoperative CT cut, ventro-dorsal length was measured from the most posterior bony structure of either cephalad or caudal vertebra end plate or uncal vertebral joint to the most anterior part of the superior articular facet of caudal vertebra, if the superior articular process in the corresponding cut was absent or disrupted after decompression, we marked 2 points on sclerotic margin of the remnant facets and determined the midpoint of the line connecting these 2 sclerotic margin points. The post-operative ventro-dorsal distance was measured between this midpoint to the most dorsal part of mid intervertebral disc space at the posterior vertebral body margin (Fig. 2). The sagittal foraminal area (SFA) was calculated with our software through points that marked the bony landmarks around the foramen and the defined posterior margin as described in the pre and postoperative CT scan (Fig. 3). 3D reconstructed CT scan coronal foraminal area (CCA) assessment was compared between pre-operative and post-operative day one images. We used the 3D coronal reconstruction CT scan cut which showed the direct posterior view of the cervical spine as demonstrated by symmetrical bilateral caudal lamina morphology on the same cut. Pre-operative value of 3D reconstructed CT scan was standardized as 0 mm2, and post-operative area was measured by extrapolation of the area of decompression (Fig. 4).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Sagittal cut used for measurement of the foraminal parameters pre-operative figure (left) was compared with post-operative figure (right). We used the most medial sagittal cut that could show both the pedicles of cephalad and caudal vertebra as well as superior and inferior articular facet for evaluation. If articular facet was absent or disrupted postoperatively in the corresponding cut, we evaluated the structure and shape of the pedicles to determine the corresponding sagittal cut

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Fig. 2
figure 2

Measurement of cranial-caudal length (CCL) and ventro-dorsal length (VDL) of the foramen pre- and post-operative CT sagittal cuts. a The ventro-dorsal length was measured connecting the dorsal part the intervertebral disc space on the posterior vertebral body margin to the anterosuperior tip of the superior articular process, measured as 5.37 mm as shown in b. c Measurement of the ventro-dorsal length after decompression in the corresponding cut, CT scan was taken one day postoperatively, the facet joint was disrupted as expected, we use the points between sclerotic margin of facet of the remnant facets as shown by red and blue dot, midpoint of the line was drawn to connect these 2 points and the distance from that point to the most dorsal part the intervertebral disc space on the posterior vertebral body margin. We measured the ventrodorsal distance 7.60 mm in this case. e The cranial caudal distance was measured from most superior aspect of the foramen to the most interior aspect of the foramen. It is measured as 8.84 mm in this case f and postoperative cranial caudal distance was 10.45 (g and h)

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Fig. 3
figure 3

Measurement of sagittal foraminal area (SFA).aThe margins of the foramen preoperatively were marked by dots. b Sagittal foraminal area was measured as 36.2 mm2 by Infinitti pacs software. c The margins of the foramen were marked by dots post decompression. The absent anterosuperior area of superior articular process was represented as the midpoint between the sclerotic margins of the facet joint as shown. d Sagittal foraminal area was increased to 64.2 mm2 as measured by Infinitti software

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Fig. 4
figure 4

a Preoperative 3D CT reconstructed scan of coronal view which we set as 0 mm2 decompression to standardize measurements. b The area of foraminotomy at left C5/6 was marked by red region. c The 3D reconstructed CT scan coronal foraminal area (CCA) after foraminotomy was measured as 748 mm2 on infinitti pacs system

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Definition of V-point in posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy and discectomy

“V” point is defined as junction of confluence of cephalad and caudal laminofacet which has a V shape configuration [16] (Fig. 5a).

Fig. 5
figure 5

Right C4/5 posterior endoscopic cervical decompression. a Identification of the “V” point which was marked by 2 black lines showing the margin of inferior margin of laminofacet junction of right C4 and superior margin of laminofacet junction of right C5. b After further drilling on the “V” point and decompression the nerve root underneath C5, upper black line marked the margin of the spinal cord and nerve root, lower black line marked the pedicle margin. c Deeper insertion of endoscope below the neural elements reveal margin of C5 vertebra and the intervertebral disc with the working cannula retracting the right C5 nerve root out of harms’ way, the ruptured herniated disc was found in the axilla of right C5 nerve root. Figure 5D: Pulsating nerve root under irrigation fluid noted of right C5 after herniated disc removed from right C5 nerve root

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Description of technique

Posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy (Fig. 5)

All patients underwent general anesthesia and were positioned prone on Wilson frame with shoulder strapped and neck flexed in a slight reverse Trendelenburg position using 3 points plaster traction technique on head, shoulder and back without use of Mayfield to increase interlaminar space of cervical spine [17]. Face was positioned in a commercially anesthesia pillow foam supporting bony prominence with space created for eyes, nose and mouth. The head attachment was tilted down slightly allowing cervical spine flexion and secured with plaster. Arms are padded and tucked longitudinally next to the patient. The anterior superior iliac spine and knees are padded, and hips and knees were flexed slightly. Both the shoulders were strapped to pull down the shoulder slightly without pressure on the brachial plexus and strapped on the back to reduce skin fold in the operating field. We did not use neuromonitoring during any of the procedures. Skin marking was done under guidance of anteroposterior (AP) and lateral view cervical fluoroscopy. We aimed for the lateral margin of interlaminar space and medial border of facet joint junction (the “v” point due to the V shape appearance on the confluence of the medial junction of superior and inferior facet) on AP view. Fluoroscopic lateral view was performed to confirm facet joint of the correct level. A transverse 8 mm incision was made at the “v” point and obturator was inserted and docked, tip position was confirmed with fluoroscopy. A 30 ° viewing angle, 7.3 outer diameter, and 4.7 mm working channel (Joimax GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany) was used for the procedure under continuous normal saline irrigation of pressure of 25 mm Hg. Hemostasis and soft tissue dissection were done with the radiofrequency probe (Ellman’s bipolar radiofrequency electrocoagulator—Elliquence, Baldwin, New York, USA) and endoscopic forceps. Once V point was identified and confirmed on fluoroscopy, medial aspect of lateral mass and facet joint was drilled with a long straight high speed drill (Primado High-Speed Drill System—NSK, Nakanishi, Japan) to create a working window depending on the size of herniated material and degree of foraminal stenosis. Typically 3–5 mm in diameter of bone was removed from lateral inferior aspect of upper lamina followed by about 3 mm of the medial inferior portion of inferior articular facet from the lamina-facet border(“V” point) to gain access to the nerve root [18]. We then asked anesthetist to tilt patient away from surgeon to drill the medial superior aspect of superior articular facet of caudal vertebra lying on dorsal aspect of the nerve root; it would lead to the proximal portion of nerve root situated superior to the pedicle of caudal vertebra. After posterior foraminotomy was completed, we inspected the exiting nerve root and lateral third of spinal cord; both of which were closely related to the pedicle of caudal vertebra. This marked the completion of “V” point foraminotomy.

Posterior cervical disectomy with neural retraction

After foraminotomy was completed, the working channel was advanced and rotated with open beveled facing away from the axilla of the spinal cord and exiting nerve root. We retracted the exiting nerve root gently in cephalad or caudal direction depending on its relationship with the intervertebral disc and exposed the underlying prolapsed disc fragment. There was not any retraction of the spinal cord to avoid significant neurological sequelae. Endoscopic forceps and Kerisson rongeurs were used to retrieve the prolapsed disc fragment. Radiofrequency was used to provide hemostasis and gentle release of the adhesion of the neural elements to disc facilitating the retrieval of the prolapsed disc. Uncovertebral hypertrophy was taken down with a cutter or a drill. The pedicle was left intact. Final inspection of neural elements was done to assess completeness of decompression as evidenced by pulsatile neural elements under irrigation fluid. Drain was inserted and closed in layers with dermabond to skin.

Statistical analysis

Data were analyzed with SPSS version 18 statistical analysis software (IBM Corporation, New York). The continuous variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD). Paired t test was used for analysis of clinical visual analogue scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) measured at pre-operative, 1 week post-operative, 3 months post-operative and final follow-up. The paired t test was also used for comparison of pre-operative and post-operative CT scan results of sagittal area, cranio-caudal length, and ventro-dorsal length as well as 3D reconstructed posterior decompression area. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between 2 continuous variables. A value of (p < 0.05) considered significant.

Results

Baseline demographics and operative data

From November 2016 to December 2018, 29 levels of uniportal posterior endoscopic cervical decompression (PECD) were performed in 25 patients. 4 patients had 2 levels surgery, and 21 patients had single level cervical spine surgery. 3 patients had cervical stenosis accounting for 4 levels of endoscopic cervical foraminotomy performed, while 22 patients had cervical disc herniations accounting for 25 levels of endoscopic cervical foraminotomy and discectomy performed. The mean and standard deviation for follow up of PECD was 29.6 ± 8.5 months. The mean age was 51.8 ± 8.9 years. Overall most common levels of cervical radiculopathy were C5/6 (31.0%) and C6/7 (55.2%). Male patients represented 64% of the patients’ cohort. Duration of surgery was 52.6 (40–65) min. There was no statistical difference in outcomes affected by sex and age (Table 1).

Table 1 Basic Demographics, Clinical and Radiological parameters of our PECD cohort data
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Clinical outcomes

The complication rate of PECD was 12% with 2 cases of motor deficits which had resolved within 1 year without revision and one patient had recurrence of symptoms due to prolapsed disc at the same level which was treated conservatively. Of these 3 cases, one patient who underwent C5/6 and C6/7 decompression had postoperative Medical Research Council grade 3 motor weakness of right C5. His power recovered to grade 4 + on final follow-up at 24 months. Another patient who underwent left C6/7 decompression had MRC grade 4 motor weakness of left C7 myotomes after surgery. Her power recovered to MRC grade 5 after 1 year. There was one case of recurrence of left C6/7 prolapsed disc after 2 years which was treated conservatively. There was no reoperation or revision in this cohort of patients. In this PECD cohort, there was significant improvement in pre-operative, 1 week post-operative, 3 months post-operative and final follow-up VAS with mean and standard deviation were 7.28 ± 1.25, 3.36 ± 0.76, 2.64 ± 1.11 and 2.32 ± 1.35, respectively, p < 0.05. NDI score also showed significant improvement with preoperative, 1 week post-operative, 3 months post-operative and final follow-up mean and standard deviation for were 71.5 ± 8.67, 30.8 ± 6.43, 27.7 ± 8.87 and 26.4 ± 11.2, respectively, p < 0.05 (Fig. 6). MacNab score showed 92% (23 out of 25 patients) with good and excellent results, with 1 fair and 1 poor result patients were coincidentally the ones who suffered postoperative neuropraxia (Table 1).

Fig. 6
figure 6

Graphic representation of the mean and standard deviation (SD) for Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in our cohort of patients

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Radiological outcomes

Flexion and extension roentgenograms were done at preoperative period to rule out instability. Postoperative flexion and extension roentgenogram at final follow-up were analyzed which showed no instability of the cervical spine in this cohort of patient.

Radiological outcomes evaluation in PECD cohort showed that there was statistical significant increase in foraminal dimensions in postoperative CT scan as compared to pre-operative CT scans. The mean and standard deviation of the increments were (1) sagittal foraminal area (SFA) increased 21.5 ± 11.2 mm2, (2) CT cranio-caudal foraminal length (CCL) increased 1.21 ± 1.30 mm and (3) CT ventro-dorsal foraminal length (VDL) increased 2.10 ± 1.35 mm and (4) 3D CT scan reconstruction coronal view decompression area (CCA) increased 537 ± 176 mm2, p < 0.05. (Table 1).

Pearson correlations analysis of continuous variables

The continuous variables such as age, sagittal foraminal area (SFA), 3D CT coronal area (CCA), cranial-caudal Length (CCL), ventro-dorsal length (VDL), VAS and ODI were analysed using Pearson correlations analysis. We found statistical significant increment radiological correlations of SFA with CCA, CCL and VDL and clinical parameters of VAS and ODI. There were no statistical significant radiological correlations in CCA with CCL and VDL. There was no significant correlations between clinical outcomes with foraminal dimensions (Table 2).

Table 2 Pearson correlation analysis of continuous variables
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A case example was shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 7
figure 7

a 43-years old female who presented with persistent right C5 radiculopathy who failed conservative management for 3 months underwent right C4/5 PECD. a MRI sagittal cut showing foraminal stenosis of right C4/5 with uncal hypertrophy, and protruding disc. b MRI corresponding sagittal cut after posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy, bony decompression performed space filled with fluid, nerve root was decompressed. c showed right C4/5 uncal hypertrophy and disc protrusion which was decompressed in the same corresponding cut in d

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Discussion

While most of the patients who suffered from cervical radiculopathy were treated with conservative management. A good proportion of them failed conservative treatment and fulfilled the indications for surgery [19]. While anterior based procedures such as ACDF and ADR had demonstrated good clinical outcomes, these procedures sacrifice the intervertebral disc in order to achieve their objective of decompression. Invariably affecting cervical motion and increased risk of adjacent segment degeneration, pseudo arthrosis on top of the approach related complications [4, 20]. In our described technique, we only removed the prolapsed part of the disc while preserving the majority of the cervical intervertebral disc. The conservation of cervical disc avoided the need for fusion or disc replacement procedure. It also avoided the risk of loss of disc height associated in anterior endoscopic cervical discectomy [21].

Posterior cervical foraminotomy is a motion preserving procedure which focuses directly on decompression of the soft prolapsed disc and foraminal stenosis causing cervical radiculopathy. While preservation of the neck motion by doing posterior cervical foraminotomy is advantageous to the patients, the relatively common occurrence of post-operative neck pain after posterior cervical surgery is one of the main reasons that many surgeons prefer anterior procedure over the posterior procedure in treatment of cervical radiculopathy [11, 22]. The key strategies to prevent post-operative instability and axial neck pain are preservation of the cervical soft tissues, ligamentous structures and bony facets without compromising the ability to adequately decompress the foramen. The development of endoscopic techniques and in particular PECD technique aims to preserve posterior structures and yet achieve the similar goals of conventional posterior cervical foraminotomy [18]. Several authors in their series had been able to achieve good clinical outcomes [5, 23]. In our series, we achieved similar trend of statistically significant good clinical outcomes in NDI, VAS and MacNab’s score at average 29.6 months follow-up. The success of the PECD relied on careful selection for appropriate patients and proper evaluations of pre-operative imaging. In our experience, the ideal indications for PECD were: (1) Patients who have significant disabling cervical radiculopathy for more than 6 weeks and failed conservative treatment strategies (2) There is concordant same level (s) and side of cervical radiculopathy with MRI finding. (3) Laterally located lesions affecting cervical nerve root are shown on axial MRI cut of the affected level(s): cervical nerve root compression should occur with 2/3 bulk of the soft disc material lateral to the lateral margin of the thecal sac of the cervical cord and/or foraminal stenosis caused by uncovertebral joint hypertrophy, facet joint and lateral bulging degenerated disc. The main limitations of this technique are centrally located lesions and cervical malalignment. As cervical cord retraction is not possible by endoscope working tube, endoscope cannot gain access to central located lesion. Without possible instrumentation with PECD technique, surgeons cannot correct any cervical malalignment related neck pain and cervical radiculopathy with PECD. Therefore, the contraindications of PECD are patients who have predominant pure axial neck pain, clinical or radiological cervical instability, and associated myelopathy with anterior disc herniation and or calcification. Other relative contraindications are calcified disc and ossified posterior longitudinal ligaments [24, 25].

There are limited studies on radiological evaluation of foraminal dimensions after posterior cervical foraminotomy and discectomy, most of the studies focused on the preservation of disc height, range of motion of cervical spine and preservation of cervical stability, and showed good radiological results within these parameters measured [26,27,28]. The limitations of these clinical and radiological evaluation studies were that no comparative measurements of the foraminal dimensions to assess the status of decompression achieved.

In our study, we focused on evaluation on the foraminal parameters to investigate on how much decompression we could achieve with PECD procedure. We found that using CT scan, there was statistical significant increase in foraminal enlargement in both sagittal and coronal parameters. Determination on conventional axial cuts were made difficult due in part to the complex, oblique orientation of the cervical neuroforamen. Using 3D CT reconstruction, we increased the reliability of measurement of foraminal stenosis as compared to conventional axial CT imaging [29].

In sagittal evaluation, we found that there were more decompression in ventral to dorsal direction than cranial to caudal direction of the cervical foramen with twice the increase in foraminal measurement with the mean of, 2.1 mm (ventral to dorsal direction) and 1.2 mm (cranial to caudal direction). This was due to the close relationship of the corresponding pedicles and exiting nerve root in the cranial and caudal direction of the decompression. Good decompression was demonstrated in terms of sagittal and coronal foraminal area measurements. We observed a mean increase in 21.5 mm2 in sagittal foramen area, while there was a much wider area of decompression in medial lateral direction with mean increase in 3D CT coronal posterior area of decompression measured at 537 mm2 as compared to preoperative state.

There was a statistically significant correlations between sagittal foraminal area and all the other measured foraminal parameters such as 3D CT coronal area, ventro-dorsal length and cranial-caudal length. However, there was no statistical significant correlation between clinical outcomes with foraminal parameters. This suggested that more decompression and foraminal enlargement did not directly equate to better clinical outcomes. This is an important finding as endoscopic decompression typically requires less amount of facet destruction to achieve adequate foraminal decompression as compared to open surgery, but yet it can achieve good clinical results. However we have not managed to find the tipping point of decompression required to achieve good clinical outcomes in our study. Further research with a larger data might be required to investigate the optimal amount of bony decompression required to achieve good clinical outcomes.

In an anatomical biomechanics study performed by Raynor et al., he demonstrated that in order to decompress 5 mm of exit nerve root, 50% of facets were needed to be sacrificed and to decompress 8–10 mm of exiting nerve root, 70% of facets decompression were required. However, he also demonstrated that 70% facetectomized specimen would failed by fracture at 159 lb but none of 50% facetectomized specimen failed at 208 lbs. Hence, the recommendation was generally to decompress less than 50% of the facet joint [30]. PECD technique performed through this choreographed stepwise approach described in the paper can help in identification of key anatomical structures checkpoints and highlighting the targets for decompression required to achieve good radiological and clinical outcomes. We had no gross instability observed in flexion and extension films taken in any of the patients who were followed up for the mean of 29.6 months. We felt that this technique could minimize soft tissue dissection as endoscope was docked directly on the V point of the facet which underwent foraminotomy. Bony resection was optimized by endoscopic decompression. A large percentage of the disc was preserved as only the prolapsed part of the disc was removed during the procedure. These factors might decrease the risk of postoperative instability. Although a similar comparative radiological study would be required to compare with open posterior cervical foramintomy to evaluate this theory.

The 12% complication rate of this cohort was comparable to other minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion literature [4, 10, 31, 32]. The most common complications in the literature related to posterior cervical foraminotomy are wound issues, neuropraxia and durotomy. PECD has good potential in decreasing wound related complications due to its ability to preserve soft tissue and avoid prolonged retraction of any particular cervical muscle group due to constant mobility of endoscope [31]. Incidental durotomy can be a problem in any endoscopic or open procedure, a patch blocking repair technique for small incidental dura tear is a common strategy in treatment of endoscopic dura tear [33]. However, one needs to be careful when pushing the patch against spinal cord to avoid cord injury. We had 2 cases of neuropraxia (8%) which was due to exiting nerve root retraction by the open beveled working cannula to facilitate discectomy. Our patients with neurapraxia did not do well in MacNab’s score with one fair and one poor results. Hence, it is an important consideration to select patients who required less neural retractions during the procedure to achieve good clinical outcomes. The metanalysis by Tao et al. showed for cervical surgeries showed C5 palsy rate in ACDF (5.5%) is lower than posterior cervical laminoplasty (6%) and laminectomy and fusion (12.2%). The mechanism of the nerve root palsy is hypothesized to be due to tethering phenomenon and acute decompression and expansion of spinal cord leads to nerve root palsy [34]. Another mechanism proposed was foraminal dimension and cord rotation [35]. However, it is controversial that foraminotomy did not predict the time or the likelihood of recovery from C5 palsy [36]. We felt that our mechanism of nerve root palsy was an issue of nerve root retraction by working cannula and not that of tethering of the nerve root. Working cannula induced neurapraxia is not a technical complication in anterior cervical surgeries, open posterior laminoplasty or laminectomy and fusion surgeries. Both the patients required no revision and had recovered their power in the nerve root involved. A more refinement of this endoscopic technique to create more subneural space by drilling on the pedicle and vertebra body to gain access to the disc would be a good consideration to circumvent this issue and minimize neural retraction might address this issue of nerve root palsy from working tube retraction [37, 38]. We had one case of disc recurrence (4%) from the index level occurred in our cohort which happened after 2 years from index surgery. Bydon et al. showed a reoperation rate of 9.9% in 151 patients with posterior cervical foraminotomy 60% of the revision is due to recurrence of disc herniation. The rate of same level reoperation (6.6%) was higher than adjacent segment (1.2%) or distant segment (1.9%) [39]. Recurrence of disc herniation is unlikely in open anterior cervical surgery due to complete disc removal for placement of cage or artificial disc. Van Eck et al. showed in their series of 672 patients that 15% of ACDF required revision and most revisions for ACDF is for adjacent segment disease or pseudoarthrosis [40]. Martin et al. found in their cohort of 715 patients that a higher revision rate was found in cervical disc replacement (15%) compared to ACDF (10%) and posterior surgical procedure (5%) in their cohort. They also found that disc replacement was not protective against adjacent segment disease [41]. Overall, there are advantages and disadvantages in terms of complications in all approaches to cervical spine, presenting in different forms. Complications of PECD is affected on steep learning curve and familiarity of endoscopic system. Hence, we felt that spine surgeon should perform PECD after being competent in lumbar decompression surgeries.

Limitations of the study

There were some inherent limitations in this study. Being a study with prospective data collection and retrospective analysis, there was inherent risk of selection bias. The authors minimized the selection bias as all cervical prolapsed disc during the study period was treated with endoscopic decompression. There was no control group comparative data as the authors had not done open posterior cervical foraminotomy nor ACDF for unilateral cervical radiculopathy during the study period. The information bias was minimized as analysis were done by orthopaedic and neurosurgery spine surgeons with endoscopic experience who did not take part in the management of the study population. Recall bias was minimized with the prospective nature of clinical data collection. Pre-operative data such as smoking history was not collected which might introduce confounders in the study. The relatively small sample of number of levels were studied which had limitations in the ability for subgroup analysis of foraminotomy and foraminotomy with discectomy. Small sample size with a medium term follow-up period was an inherent limitation, longer follow-up study would be desirable to evaluate the treatment effectiveness and reoperation rate in the long term. Radiological evaluation used in this study was a novel method we used with no validation data available for similar surgical techniques.

Conclusion

Uniportal posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy and discectomy is a safe, efficient and precise choreographed set of technique in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. It significantly improved clinical outcomes and achieved the objective of increasing in the cervical foramen size in our cohort of patients.