The short-term outcome of percutaneous cervical disc nucleoplasty for the treatment of cervical vertigo

English Keywords:Percutaneous cervical disc nucleoplasty  Cervical vertigo  Short-term outcome

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objectives: To observe the short-term outcome of percutaneous cervical disc nucleoplasty(PCDN) for cervical vertigo. Methods: 295 patients with cervical spondylosis were treated consecutively by PCDN in our hospital from April 2010 to March 2013, 92 of whom were diagnosed as cervical vertigo, 61 of them were followed up for 2-3.9 years. There were 20 males and 41 females with a mean age of 57.28±10.55 years(rang, 33-81 years old). The improvements of each patient′s symptoms were estimated by using themodified evaluation(hereinafter referred to as themodified evaluation), and the effective rate was reviewed by the modified evaluationat at postoperation immediately, 3 months, 12 months and final follow-up respectively. Results: No neurovascular injury and infection were noted. At postoperation immediately, 3 months, 12 months, final follow-up, the modified score was 21.75±1.76, 25.00±4.00, 24.82±4.38, 24.64±4.12 respectively which was significantly higher than preoperative counterpart, the effective rate were 96.7%, 75.4%, 72.1%, 72.1% respectively. At final follow-up, vertigo symptoms disappearing or significant relief were noted in 72.1% patients(44/61), among them, the segment contained C3/4 or C4/5 section were 43 cases(C4/5 in 30 cases, C3/4 in 4 cases, C3/4 and C4/5 in 9 cases); C5/6 and C6/7 in 1 case. Four patients′ vertigo symptoms recurred 12 months later, with a recurrence rate of 6.6%, 3 cases received conservative treatment, the other one underwent cervical artificial disc replacement, the patients gained significant improvement in symptoms after treatment. 17 cases were irresponsible for this method, among them, 4 patients with preoperative vertebrobasilar artery stenosis or vertebral artery stenosis, 5 patients with older age and preoperative hypertension of 3 levels, the other patients with unknown causes. Conclusions: Although the pathogenesis of cervical vertigo are complex and diverse, but the majority of patients can obtain good short-term clinical effect after PCDN treatment.