Full Endoscopic Spinal Surgery Techniques: Advancements, Indications, and Outcomes

Abstract

Advancements in both surgical instrumentation and full endoscopic spine techniques have resulted in positive clinical outcomes in the treatment of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine pathologies. Endoscopic techniques impart minimal approach related disruption of non-pathologic spinal anatomy and function while concurrently maximizing functional visualization and correction of pathological tissues. An advanced understanding of the applicable functional neuroanatomy, in particular the neuroforamen, is essential for successful outcomes. Additionally, an understanding of the varying types of disc prolapse pathology in relation to the neuroforamen will result in more optimal surgical outcomes. Indications for lumbar endoscopic spine surgery include disc herniations, spinal stenosis, infections, medial branch rhizotomy, and interbody fusion. Limitations are based on both non spine and spine related findings. A high riding iliac wing, a more posteriorly located retroperitoneal cavity, an overly distal or proximally migrated herniated disc are all relative contra-indications to lumbar endoscopic spinal surgery techniques.Modifications in scope size and visual field of view angulation have enabled both anterior and posterior cervical decompression. Endoscopic burrs, electrocautery, and focused laser technology allow for the least invasive spinal surgical techniques in all age groups and across varying body habitus. Complications include among others, dural tears, dysesthsia, nerve injury, and infection.

The Effect of Lumbar Lordosis on Screw Loosening in Dynesys Dynamic Stabilization: Four-Year Follow-Up with Computed Tomography

“…The surgical options usually include decompression and stabilization if there is segmental instability. Moreover, during the past several decades, various surgical corridors have been developed, including anterior [ 3 ], posterior [ 4 , 5 ], and lateral [ 6 ], via traditional open, minimally invasive [ 4 , 5 , 7 ], or endoscopic [ 8 ] approaches.…”

Thorakolumbale Frakturen – Fixateur perkutan

“…2 dargestellten klinischen Fall). Auch ist die Verwendung endoskopischer Dekompressionstechniken für die Traumabehandlung an der Wirbelsäule derzeit eher als Ausnahmeverfahren weniger erfahrener Anwender zu sehen; wenn, dann werden diese Verfahren in der Hauptsache im Bereich der degenerativen Wirbelsäulenchirurgie eingesetzt [12].…”

Get Ready for 100 Years of Active Spine Life Using Percutaneous Endoscopic Spine Surgery (PESS)

“…Full endoscopic surgical approaches to the spine differ from other minimally invasive surgical techniques due to the unique technical qualities of the spinal working endoscope. Use of spinal endoscope facilitates the principles of minimally invasive spinal techniques by allowing the specialist to visualize spinal structures in magnified view 2) . This magnified view facilitates surgical treatment with minimal surgical damage to normal anatomical structures.…”