Endoscopic Unilateral Biportal Spinal Surgery for Adolescent Bertolotti Syndrome: A Case Study
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By
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Lingfeng Ren
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Tianhua Qiao
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Yan Zhang
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Yong Wang
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Xin Zhang
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July 21, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Endoscopic Unilateral Biportal Spinal Surgery for Adolescent Bertolotti Syndrome: A Case Study
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
| Condition | Bertolotti Syndrome |
| Key Mechanisms | Compression of the fifth lumbar (L5) exiting nerve roots due to lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTVs) |
| Target Population | Adolescents with Bertolotti Syndrome |
| Care Setting | Spine surgery outpatient clinic |
Key Highlights
- Endoscopic decompression via unilateral biportal endoscopic technique (UBE) was performed.
- Significant improvement in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain postoperatively.
- Patient experienced complete relief of symptoms at 3-month follow-up.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of Bertolotti Syndrome confirmed through imaging studies.
Management
- Conservative treatment options include NSAIDs and physical therapy.
- Surgical intervention considered after failure of conservative treatment.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Postoperative follow-up to assess pain relief and recovery.
Risks
- Potential risks associated with surgical procedures include nerve injury and complications from anesthesia.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Adolescent females with persistent lower back pain and radicular symptoms.
Endoscopic surgery can be an effective treatment option after conservative measures fail.
Clinical Best Practices
- Careful preoperative preparation and diagnostic anesthetic block are recommended.
- Intraoperative monitoring of nerve root integrity is crucial.
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