European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of full-endoscopic foraminoplasty and lumbar discectomy (FEFLD), unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) discectomy, and microdiscectomy (MD) in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation (LDH). ⋯ FEFLD and UBE discectomy yield comparable results to conventional MD concerning pain relief and functional outcomes. In addition, FEFLD and UBE discectomy enable less back pain in the immediate postoperative period. FEFLD offers advantages in rapid recovery. Conventional MD is still an efficient and cost-effective surgical procedure.
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Bone graft extenders have been developed to prevent donor site morbidity associated with iliac crest bone graft, but few studies compared the efficacy of various substitutes. Our purpose was to determine fusion rate and clinical outcome in patients undergoing lumbar arthrodesis using demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). ⋯ Being a bone graft extender without osteoinductive property, with local autograft, BCP is comparable to DBM for one- and superior for two-level fusion. No significant difference was found in clinical outcomes.