Clinical efficacy of full-visualization single-channel endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion

Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy of full-visualization single-channel endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (PE-PLIF) in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases, and to explore the application skills and significance of endoscopic spinal canal decompression and interbody fusion. Methods From January 2021 to December 2022, 50 patients who underwent PE-PLIF in The Affiliated Huai ‘an No.1 Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were selected retrospectively. A total of 56 lower lumbar segments were treated with spinal canal decompression and interbody fusion. The expandable cage implantation technique was used for spinal canal decompression, intervertebral fusion, and percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of low back pain and lower limb pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and modified MacNab scoring system were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy before and after operation. Results The VAS scores of low back pain were 5.2±1.1, 2.2±0.7, 1.5±0.6, 1.3±0.7, 1.0±0.9 before operation, 1 day, 3 months, 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up, respectively. The VAS scores of lower limb pain were 7.2±1.0, 2.0±1.0, 0.5±0.3, 0.3±0.2, 0.3±0.2, respectively. The ODI was 66.3±7.4, 16.6±5.0, 12.4±3.6 and 10.7±3.3 before operation, 3 months, 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up, respectively. The VAS score and ODI score decreased after operation, and the differences were statistically significant compared with those before operation (P