Maximal Benefit Zone of Endoscopic Spine Surgery in the Cervical and Thoracic Spine: Rationale of Endoscopic Spine Surgery in the Cervical-thoracic Region

Abstract

Complex anatomy, difficult access, and low tolerance of cord manipulation in the cervical and thoracic spine are some of the most challenging aspects of spine surgery. Open cervical and thoracic spinal surgery incurs substantial morbidity, with significant postoperative pain, blood loss, and risk of infection in open cervical and thoracic wounds. With the evolution of endo- scopic surgical techniques and increasing familiarity with how to handle endoscopic equipment, the indications of endoscopic spine surgery have expanded to include cervical and thoracic spi- nal decompression in the surgical armamentarium for treating cervical and thoracic spinal pa- thologies to provide the maximal benefit zone of endoscopic spine surgery.