Open posterior approach versus endoscopic approach for thoracic ligamentum flavum ossification: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Chun Ru Lin, Sung Huang Laurent Tsai, Ta Wei Yu, Po Cheng Lin, Zheng Da Tsai, Kuo Hao Lee, Tsai Sheng Fu, Po Liang Lai, Tsung Ting Tsai, Yung Hsueh Hu*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF), a rare condition more prevalent in East Asia, is managed through open and endoscopic surgical approaches. Determining the superior surgical option remains unclear. This study assesses the safety and clinical outcomes associated with these approaches in TOLF patients. Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search up to August 5, 2023, across PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We included randomized controlled trials and cohort studies reporting complication rates, mJOA (modified Japanese Orthopedic Association) scores, JOA scores, VAS (Visual Analog Scale) scores, or hospitalization duration for both open and endoscopic surgeries in TOLF patients. Results: We analyzed 37 studies encompassing 1,646 TOLF patients using a random-effects model. Our findings revealed a significant difference in complication rates (overall complication rates: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.19; p < 0.01; I2: 69%; quality of evidence: moderate), with lower complication rates in the endoscopy group. However, no significant differences were observed in JOA scores (overall JOA: 8.35; 95% CI: 7.16, 9.54; p = 0.12; I2: 99%; quality of evidence: very low), VAS scores (overall VAS: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.59; p = 0.35; I2: 91%; quality of evidence: very low), or hospitalization duration (hospital stay: 10.83 days; 95% CI: 6.86, 14.80; p = 0.35; I2: 91%; quality of evidence: very low) between the open and endoscopic groups. Conclusions: This meta-analysis reports lower complication rates and improved postoperative mJOA scores for endoscopic surgery in TOLF patients compared to open surgery. It represents the first comprehensive evaluation of clinical outcomes and safety of different surgical approaches for TOLF patients. Further randomized controlled trials are essential to validate these findings.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Spine Journal
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2024
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024.

Keywords

  • Decompression
  • Endoscopic spine surgery
  • Ossification of ligamentum flavum
  • Spinal endoscopy
  • Thoracic myelopathy
  • Thoracic spine

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