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Clinical Research by Wiltse Memorial Hospital Spine Center Medical Team Confirms “Bilateral Facet Joint Damage Minimized and Reoperation Rate Reduced After Bilateral-Contralateral Decompression for Spinal Stenosis in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Using Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy”

 

 

<(From left) Director Lee Dong-hyun, Hospital Director Lee Dong-geun, Medical Director Park Choon-keun,

Assistant Hospital Director Jang Jae-won>

 

The research paper titled “Saving Stabilizing Structure Treatment With Bilateral-Contralateral Decompression for Spinal Stenosis in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Using Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy” authored by the medical team at Wiltse Memorial Hospital Spine Center, including Director Lee Dong-hyun, Hospital Director Lee Dong-geun, and Medical Director Park Choon-keun, has been published in the latest issue of the international scholarly journal Neurospine, which is classified as an SCI journal.

 

 

Degenerative spondylolisthesis, which is commonly seen in the elderly population, is characterized by pain and numbness in the lower back and legs. To improve these symptoms and treat spinal instability, spinal fusion surgery is often performed. However, surgical procedures such as fusion surgery require a wide surgical area, general anesthesia, have a long recovery period, and carry a higher risk of complications.

 

 

<Spine Center>

 

The research team conducted a follow-up study on 42 patients (average age of 60) with moderate to severe symptoms, including persistent leg pain, numbness, and stenosis, who underwent bilateral biportal endoscopic decompression surgery using a bilateral-contralateral approach. The results confirmed that this surgical method helps minimize damage to both facet joints, reducing spinal instability and the need for reoperation.

Director Lee Dong-hyun stated, “Recently, minimally invasive fusion surgery, which minimizes the surgical area, has been introduced and performed. However, there are still limitations as it is currently only applied to certain patients.” He added, “However, it is important to note that inexperienced medical professionals using the bilateral-contralateral approach may risk vertebral fractures, so the experience of the medical team is also crucial.”

 

 

 

 

The medical team at Wiltse Memorial Hospital Spine Center is actively engaged in academic activities, not only in clinical research but also in the authorship of textbooks, including “Core Techniques of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery” covering the overall aspects of minimally invasive spine surgery and “Advanced Technique of Endoscopic Cervical and Thoracic Spine Surgery,” an English textbook published by Springer, discussing the latest surgical techniques for safe and efficient endoscopic spine surgery.

 

Website: https://allspine.com/eng/