Objective: The aim of this study was to observe possible risks for traversing root injuries during endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (endo-TLIF) via an accessory portal. Methods: Twenty patients were recruited for this study according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. An accessory portal was made 3 cm caudal to the working portal, and a 30°/4.3-mm endoscope was utilized to observe possible risks for traversing root injuries throughout the entire process of disc preparation and cage implantation. Results: The traversing root was observed via the accessory portal throughout the process of disc preparation and cage implantation in 20 patients. Endo-TLIF was shown to be a suitable method for decompression and cage implantation as it provided a sufficient working space and window. No cases of traversing root injuries were observed in our study. Conclusion Endo-TLIF was found to be a suitable method for disc preparation and cage implantation. Our observations showed that endo-TLIF is a safe method for decompression, disc preparation, and cage implantation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of endoscopically visualized radiofrequency for treating sacroiliac joint pain. Methods: The study protocol was preregistered on INPLASY (INPLASY202450011). A systematic search was carried out across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science, from their inception until May 6, 2024. Peer-reviewed studies on human participants with low back pain diagnosed with sacroiliac joint pain and treated with endoscopically visualized radiofrequency ablation (RFA) were included. The study focused on evaluating changes in the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) from before the commencement of endoscopically visualized radiofrequency to postoperation. The quantitative syntheses employed a random-effects model, with effect sizes reported using the mean difference. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on 6-month and 12-month postoperative time points. Results: Four studies were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. Three of the studies were case series, while one was a retrospective cohort study. The mean difference of VAS scores between the preoperative and 6-month and 12-month postoperative assessments was -5.60 and -5.96, respectively. The mean difference of the ODI between preoperative and 6-month and 12-month postoperative assessments was -21.03 and -23.67, respectively. A subgroup analysis of both outcome measurement indices at the 2 follow-up time points did not reveal any statistically significant differences. Conclusion Endoscopically visualized RFA demonstrates potential as a treatment modality for sacroiliac joint pain; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to substantiate its long-term efficacy.