Phoenix-based Desert Institute for Spine Care's Anthony Yeung, MD, published the results of his study of endoscopic transforaminal of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis decompression causing sciatica and back pain in the Journal of Spine.
Here are five things to know:
1. Dr. Yeung included 55 patients from January 2002 to December 2012 to review in his five to 10-year study. The patients specifically chose to undergo Dr. Yeung's endoscopic transforaminal decompression procedure over fusion.
2. There were no attempts to stratify the first patient group who chose to stage their surgical options even if fusion surgery became necessary.
3. In all, 33 percent of patients opted to undergo fusion at some point of their treatment to get more symptom relief.
4. Dr. Yeung found transforaminal foraminoplasty provided unanticipated pain relief as well.
5. "The treatment algorithm in spine continues to evolve and change due to a better understanding of the patho-anatomy, correlated with the pathophysiology of pain," Dr. Yeung concluded.