Lumbar microdiscectomy using intraoperative ultrasound

Ultrasonic spine surgery for every thoracic disc herniation: a 43-patient case series and technical note demonstrating safety and efficacy using a partial transpedicular thoracic discectomy with ultrasonic aspiration and ultrasound guidance

“…14 However, advances in intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) have improved visualization of ventral pathologies, obviating the need for any significant thecal sac retraction. [15][16][17] Furthermore, technological advancements in ultrasonic aspirators (UAs) have allowed for safe and thorough removal of even heavily calcified, large, midline thoracic discs. [18][19][20][21] Our use of IOUS for visualization paired with ultrasound aspiration has drastically improved the efficacy and safety of the posterior approach and has led to a resurgence of posterior approaches for the treatment of most types of TDH, simultaneously making the treatment of this complex pathology even less invasive compared to all other approaches.…”