Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Research Articles

Exploring Physical Lumbar Microvascular Geometry Through Endoscopy and Illustrations: Implications for Clinical Interpretation.

Retrospective Study. Minimally invasive endoscopic spinal surgery is gaining popularity, but our understanding of the lumbar spine's microvascular geometry relies heavily on cadaver studies and textbook illustrations. Additionally, inconsistent nomenclature of vessels in the literature hampers effective communication among surgeons. This study aims to improve the clarity and comprehensibility of the lumbar spinal microvascular geometry under endoscopic view. The study included 400 patients who underwent endoscopic spinal surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis and foraminal stenosis. The surgeries were performed by an experienced surgeon using either the interlaminar or transforaminal approach. Endoscopic video recordings were further analyzed to map the microvascular geometry and common bleeding foci. The observed results were cross-referenced with existing literature to reconstruct a comprehensive view of the vascular anatomy. The transforaminal approach commonly encounters bleeding foci originating from the major branches of the segmental lumbar artery and the emissary veins within the foramen. The interlaminar approach primarily encounters bleeding foci from the muscle vessels in the dorsal lamina, which are believed to be located near the ends of the three main branches. In the intracanal region, epidural vessels form a rotary loop above the disc, which can contribute to most of the bleeding during discectomy. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the microvascular anatomy in the lumbar spine during endoscopic spinal surgery. Recognizing the geometry will help surgeons anticipate and control bleeding, reducing the risk of complications. The findings contribute to the improvement of surgical techniques and patient safety in endoscopic spinal surgery.

Future of Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Insights from Cutting-Edge Technology in the Industrial Field.

In the evolving landscape of spinal surgery, technological advancements play a pivotal role in enhancing surgical outcomes and patient experiences. This paper delves into the cutting-edge technologies underpinning endoscopic spine surgery (ESS), specifically highlighting the innovations in scope cameras, RF equipment, and drills. The modern scope camera, with its capability for high-resolution imaging, offers surgeons unparalleled visualization, enabling precise interventions. Radiofrequency (RF) equipment has emerged as a crucial tool, providing efficient energy delivery for tissue modulation without significant collateral damage. Drills, with their enhanced torque and adaptability, allow for meticulous bone work, ensuring structural integrity. As minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) becomes the standard, the integration and optimization of these technologies are paramount. This review captures the current state of these tools and anticipates their continued evolution, setting the stage for the next frontier in spinal surgery.

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome During Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spinal Surgery: A Case Report

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome During Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spinal Surgery: A Case Report

Implantation of Surgical Paddle Electrodes Using Percutaneous Biportal-Endoscopic Technique for Spinal Cord Stimulation: An Anatomical Feasibility Study in Human Cadavers

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation is a technique in which different types of electrodes are placed in the spinal epidural space for neuromodulation. Surgical paddle electrodes (SEs) are usually implanted by a surgeon by performing open surgery with laminectomy. Recent advances in endoscopic spine surgery provide another option for minimally invasive SE implantation. OBJECTIVES: This anatomical study aims to examine the feasibility of implanting SEs in thoracic and cervical spine segments, discussing the specific advantages and disadvantages compared with previously reported methods. STUDY DESIGN: Laboratory study with Institutional Review Board No B2023-056. METHODS: Four fresh adult cadavers (2 women, 2 men) were operated on in this study. The posterior unilateral biportal endoscopic surgical approach, the accessibility to the intraspinal epidural space, and the technical possibilities and limitations of implantation of SEs were evaluated, as well as the surgical duration and complications. RESULTS: All the planned steps of the operation were successfully accomplished in all 4 cadavers. A total of 8 electrodes were successfully implanted through the working portal. Among them, 4 were located in the cervical segment and 4 in the thoracic segment. The proper position of the electrodes was also verified by fluoroscopy. No rupture of dura occurred during the operation. Except for the first cadaver, the duration of surgery did not exceed 1 hour. LIMITATIONS: Anatomical study on human cadavers, the quantity of cadavers, and the steep learning curve. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this anatomical study show that the SEs can be satisfactorily implanted in cervical and thoracic segments using the unilateral biportal endoscopic technique. KEY WORDS: Surgical paddle electrodes, spinal cord stimulation, unilateral biportal endoscopic technique, anatomical feasibility, anatomical study, cadavers, cervical, thoracic

Letter to editor regarding "The Efficacy and Safety of Topical Saline Irrigation with Tranexamic Acid on Perioperative Blood Loss in Patients Treated with PELD".

Letter: We have read the recent article published by Zhang et al titled "The Efficacy and Safety of Topical Saline Irrigation with Tranexamic Acid on Perioperative Blood Loss in Patients Treated with Percutaneous Endoscopic Interlaminar Diskectomy: A Retrospective Study". In this retrospective study, authors performed interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy (IELD) for L5-S1 disc herniations, categorizing patients into two groups. One group underwent IELD with saline irrigation fluid containing 0.33 gm of tranexamic acid (TXA) per 1L of saline, while the other group received only saline irrigation fluid. We appreciate the authors' efforts in shedding light on the use of TXA in irrigation fluid, which currently has limited literature available. However, we wish to highlight several points of concern that, in our view, warrant further discussion. Upon reviewing the manuscript, our initial concern centers on the reported amount of blood loss, a crucial outcome in this study. The blood loss figures presented in this study appear significantly higher compared to the existing literature. In both study groups, the authors indicate total blood loss (TBL) exceeding 300 ml and intraoperative blood loss (IBL) surpassing 40 ml. In contrast, a systematic review and meta-analysis by Jitpakdee et al. (1) reported a range of blood loss from 10.9 ml to 23.35 ml for interlaminar endoscopic discectomy without any systemic or local use of tranexamic acid. Accurately assessing blood loss in endoscopic spine surgery poses a challenge, and the accuracy of indirect calculation methods is questionable, particularly when bleeding is minimal. Endoscopic discectomy has been proven benefits by minimal tissue damage and negligible blood loss. Another significant concern we would like to address is related to the safety and efficacy of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) use in endoscopic spine surgery. The existing literature generally accepts the safety profile and efficacy of use of intravenous TXA in open spine surgery where the blood loss incurred is substantial (2, 3). However, when it comes to the safety of topical TXA, it is important to note that TXA is known to have neurotoxic and epileptogenic properties when applied to central nervous system (CNS) tissue (5, 6). This is due to its interference with central GABAA receptors and glycine receptors (7). In endoscopic spine surgeries, small dural tears can sometimes go unnoticed due to continuous irrigation fluid pressure. In such cases, the potential CNS side effects associated with topical TXA could pose a real danger. Furthermore, even when dural tears are identified during surgery, it can be challenging to completely washout all the irrigation fluid containing TXA from the surgical field. The accumulation of excessive epidural or intrathecal TXA, especially after a dural tear, can lead to life-threatening conditions such as seizures or arrhythmias, significantly increasing morbidity and mortality in what is often intended as a day-care procedure. Moreover, the authors have not mentioned any exclusion criteria for patients with conditions that are suspected to elevate risk of developing TXA-related side effects, such as a history of thromboembolic events and/or coagulopathy, convulsive disorders and dural disruption. Lastly, in terms of the efficacy of TXA, there are limited studies demonstrating the use of local TXA in spine surgeries to reduce blood loss. For example, Krohn et al(4) used topical TXA irrigation in open instrumented spinal fusion surgery before wound closure. Their study showed a reduction in postoperative blood loss, with drain output decreasing from 525 ml in the non-TXA group to 252 ml in the TXA group. However, it had no significant effect on intraoperative blood loss. We would like to raise a pertinent question regarding endoscopic discectomy procedures, which are characterized by minimal blood loss and are often conducted as day-care surgeries. It becomes a matter of concern whether the potential advantages of using topical TXA in reducing blood loss outweigh the associated risks of neurological damage to the central nervous system (CNS) and other potentially life-threatening complications.

Overview and Prevention of Complications During Biportal Endoscopic Lumbar Spine Surgery

Unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery (UBESS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that has gained popularity for its potential benefits in various spinal lesions. It involves 2 small incisions, providing wide and clear endoscopic visualization, and causes less soft tissue damage than open surgery. UBESS offers flexibility and versatility in approaching different spinal disorders, including decompression of the spinal cord and root in the cervical or thoracic spine, as well as lumbar discectomy and spinal stenosis. One of the strengths of UBESS is its similarity to microscopic techniques, allowing for 2-handed endoscopic surgery. This familiarity makes it easier for surgeons to adopt endoscopic techniques and overcome the learning curve associated with spine endoscopy. However, some potential complications are associated with biportal endoscopic spine surgery, including dural tear, epidural hematoma, infection, incomplete surgery, and neural injury. Although the overall incidence of these complications is relatively low, it is important for clinicians to be aware of them and understand preventive methods.

Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Clinical Results for 163 Patients

Biportal endoscopy spine surgery is an endoscopic procedure that uses 2 portals, 1 for the endoscope and 1 for the instruments. It provides an excellent and very versatile field of view, with the advantage of another portal to approach the most common degenerative lumbar pathologies. We evaluated a retrospective series of patients who underwent biportal endoscopy with ≥1 year of follow-up. Relevant epidemiological and clinical data, such as the Oswestry disability index and visual analog scale for pain, were also considered. Complications and the effects of the learning curve are also discussed. We included 163 patients treated within a 5-year period with ≥1 year of follow-up available. The main pathologies were disc herniation (53.4%), foraminal stenosis (19%), and central canal stenosis (16.6%). The outcomes regarding disability and pain scores after surgery were very good, with a redistribution of the patient sample to the mild categories of disability. Inferential analysis showed relative and absolute improvements for both disc herniation and canal stenosis in terms of the Oswestry disability index and visual analog scale for pain, especially for disc herniation. The incidence of complications was approximately 7%. The most common approach was interlaminar (89%), and the most common pathology was disc herniation (54.9%). The duration of surgery overall and for the different stages had improved at the end of the learning curve with a reduction of almost 58 minutes. Biportal endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is safe and effective, with a low rate of complications. It has a reproducible learning curve and provides very good outcomes regarding functionality and pain scores.

Treatment of a symptomatic cervical cerebrospinal fluid fistula after full endoscopic cervical foraminotomy with CT-guided epidural fibrin patch

BackgroundThere is only limited data on the management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas after cervical endoscopic spine surgery. We investigated the current literature for treatment options and present a case of a patient who was treated with CT-guided epidural fibrin patch.MethodsWe present the case of a 47-year-old female patient with a suspected CSF fistula after endoscopic decompression for C7 foraminal stenosis. She was readmitted 8 days after surgery with dysesthesia in both upper extremities, orthostatic headache and neck pain, which worsened during mobilization. A CSF leak was suspected on spinal magnetic resonance imaging. A computer tomography (CT)-guided epidural blood patch was performed with short-term relief. A second CT-guided epidural fibrin patch was executed and the patient improved thereafter and was discharged at home without sensorimotor deficits or sequelae. We investigated the current literature for complications after endoscopic spine surgery and for treatment of postoperative CSF fistulas.ResultsAlthough endoscopic and open revision surgery with dura repair were described in previous studies, dural tears in endoscopic surgery are frequently treated conservatively. In our case, the patient was severely impaired by a persistent CSF fistula. We opted for a less invasive treatment and performed a CT-guided fibrin patch which resulted in a complete resolution of patient’s symptoms.Discussion and conclusionCSF fistulas after cervical endoscopic spine procedures are rare complications. Conservative treatment or revision surgery are the standard of care. CT-guided epidural fibrin patch was an efficient and less invasive option in our case.

Educational Status of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Abstract Introduction The objective of this study was to understand how spine surgeons learn minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the educational experience of MISS. Potential solutions for increasing the spine surgeon's access to MISS educational resources were also discussed. Methods An internet survey was distributed to neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgeons across multiple online platforms from April to June 2021, asking specific questions about education and training for MISS. Online survey tools were used to contact spine surgeons in the five geographical continents. Results A total of 303 spine surgeons responded to the survey: 272 (89.7%) neurosurgeons and 31 (10.3%) orthopedic surgeons. The six countries with the greatest number of participants were: Argentina (n = 70; 23.1%), India (n = 47; 15.5%), Brazil (n = 34; 11.2%), Pakistan (n = 10; 3.3%), Mexico (n = 9; 3.0%), and Chile (n = 8; 2.6%). Conclusion Most spine surgeons were able to attend virtual learning events during the pandemic, but cadaveric study was still considered the gold standard for learning MISS. Multidisciplinary effort is needed to develop structured curriculums for teaching MISS that include a variety of educational tools such as cadaver laboratory, guidance from experienced surgeons, and virtual demonstrations.

A multilevel posterior tension band-sparing laminectomy for intraspinal lesions: patient series.

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) represents a major development in spinal tumor surgery. However, considering that many intradural lesions compromise multiple spinal segments, MISS has certain limitations. Thus, some intraspinal lesions still require traditional approaches. Because laminectomy has been shown to predispose patients to kyphosis, laminoplasty and hemilaminectomy are the most widely used approaches to preserve the posterior tension band (PTB). However, these techniques are not devoid of complications. To overcome these issues, the authors modified a previously described technique to preserve the PTB while removing various types of intradural lesions. This procedure was originally designed to treat lumbar stenosis and was modified to avoid muscle ischemia during long procedures. Between 2014 and 2021, the authors found 17 cases of spinal lesions with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up after surgical treatment using their approach. No significant postoperative changes in the paraspinal Goutallier grade or spinal angles were observed. The cross-sectional area of the measured paraspinal muscles decreased 6% postoperatively. By performing certain technical modifications in this PTB-sparing (PBS) laminectomy, the authors avoided ipsilateral muscle ischemia. In this initial series, PBS laminectomy proved to be a safe, versatile, inexpensive, and reliable technique to remove intraspinal lesions.

Emergence of a New Era in Orthopaedic and Spine Medicine: Advancements and Specialization in Pakistan's Healthcare Landscape

In a remarkable transformation, the landscape of medical science, including Orthopaedic and Spine care, is rapidly evolving. Even in regions like Pakistan, characterized as third-world countries, healthcare is swiftly adopting the latest techniques, technologies, and research predominantly originating from the Western world. The origins of Orthopaedic Surgery in Pakistan trace back to the era when General Surgeons initially handled these responsibilities. However, the true development of Orthopaedic specialization began in the 1970s when the necessity for dedicated Orthopaedic treatment became evident. This marked the inception of the Orthopaedic era in the country. By the early 2000s, many medical professionals opted for this specialization, leading to a saturation point that paved the way for sub-specializations within Orthopaedics. These sub-specialities include Periotic, Trauma, Hand, Oncology, Arthroplasty, Sports, and Spine.1 Between 2000 and 2015, these sub-specialties also progressed to a saturation point, prompting a demand for even more specialized expertise. Over the past 5 to 8 years, each sub-speciality has further fragmented, with individuals or teams dedicated to refining systems that provide superior management of pathologies, thus enhancing prognoses and patient outcomes.2 This evolution has seen the emergence of both sub-specialties and super-specialties, reflecting the contemporary medical practice needs. The trajectory is clear: as exposure and practical experience accumulate, a cadre of experts will naturally emerge within these specialized domains. The domain of Spine specialization, once regarded with apprehension due to its challenging nature and variable outcomes, has been revolutionized by integrating cutting-edge technology, advanced surgical techniques, and in-depth research. Distinct categories within the Spine speciality have emerged, spanning Trauma, Oncology, Deformity Correction, Degenerative Spine, and Infection.3 These intricate surgeries are now performed using minimally invasive techniques, informed by meticulous research prioritizing anatomical precision. These advancements involve smaller incisions, real-time X-ray guidance, and even endoscopic approaches for enhanced operative field visualization. This curtails inflammatory responses and expedites patient recovery, facilitating earlier discharge from medical facilities. A noteworthy addition to Pakistan’s Spine surgery landscape is the introduction of Endoscopic Spine Surgery. Over the past half-decade, many Neuro and Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons have sought training in this cutting-edge super-specialty. The procedure offers substantial advantages such as same-day patient discharge and quicker return to normal routines. Presently, only a handful of centres in the country provide this innovative treatment modality, marking a significant stride in Spine care.

Clinical outcomes of three Level Interlaminar Endoscopic Decompression Surgery in the Treatment of Multilevel lumber Spinal Stenosis

This is the first case report to test the efficacy of three-level endoscopic spine surgery for the treatment of lumber spinal stenosis. The patient was a 50-year-old entrepreneur with pain on standing and walking and all activities that compress the canal such as lumber extension. Three-level endoscopic surgery was performed at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1. Certain clinical and surgical outcomes were selected such as the Visual Analogue Scale for pain, Oswestry Disability Index score for level of disability and functional limitation, pain on certain aggravating activities involving extension like walking and moving downstairs, spinal and core stability using prone segmental instability test and patient satisfaction values taken at baseline and after the endoscopic surgery at two levels i.e. immediately after surgery and after one month follow up. Multiple-level interlaminar endoscopic surgery was successful in terms of reducing pain, improving score on the Oswestry disability index, improving daily life activities, increasing spinal and core stability, and increasing patient satisfaction

Applications of navigation in full-endoscopic spine surgery.

Advancement in all surgery continues to progress towards more minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches. One of the platform technologies which has helped drive this trend within spine surgery is the development of endoscopy; however, the limited anatomic view experienced when performing endoscopic spine surgery requires a significant learning curve. The use of intraoperative navigation has been adapted for endoscopic spine surgery, as this provides computer-reconstructed visual data presented in three dimensions, which can increase feasibility of this technique to more surgeons. This paper will describe the principles, technical considerations, and applications of stereotactic navigation-guided endoscopic spine surgery. Full-endoscopic spine surgery has advanced in recent years such that it can be utilized in both decompressive and fusion surgeries. One of the major pitfalls to any minimally invasive surgery (including endoscopic) is that the limited surgical view can often complicate the surgery or confuse the surgeon, leading to longer operative times, higher risks, among others. This is the real utility to using navigation in conjunction with the endoscope-when registered correctly and utilized appropriately, navigated endoscopic spine surgery can take some of the guesswork out of the minimally invasive approach. Using navigation with endoscopy in spine surgery can potentially expand this technique to surgeons who have yet to master endoscopy as the assistance provided by the navigation can alleviate some of the complexities with anatomic understanding and surgical planning.

Costs of Full Endoscopic Spine Surgery: a Narrative Review

PURPOSE The purpose of this narrative review was to summarize the current literature reporting costs of full endoscopic spine surgery (FESS). METHODS Studies assessing costs in FESS written in English were included. PubMed and Embase databases were screened by the authors. Data regarding costs were extracted and reported in the current review. RESULTS Nine studies were included. Seven studies were retrospective comparative and 2 were randomized-controlled-trials. The studies included treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and cervical disc herniation (CDH). Eight studies reported a comparison of FESS to open microscopic surgery. Four of them reported lower total costs in FESS. The methodologies used for cost analysis exhibited heterogeneity in terms of both the data source and accounting methodology. Length of hospital stay (LOS) and type of anesthesia consistently affected total costs. CONCLUSION Included studies report inconsistent results regarding total costs of FESS compared to open microscopic surgery. LOS and type of anesthesia seems to be the two main costs drivers. As endoscopic surgery continues to gain popularity, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness and impact on patient outcomes, however a standardization of methodology of costs-analysis is warranted.

Augmented Reality Surgical Navigation in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: A Preclinical Study.

In minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), where the surgeon cannot directly see the patient's internal anatomical structure, the implementation of augmented reality (AR) technology may solve this problem. We combined AR, artificial intelligence, and optical tracking to enhance the augmented reality minimally invasive spine surgery (AR-MISS) system. The system has three functions: AR radiograph superimposition, AR real-time puncture needle tracking, and AR intraoperative navigation. The three functions of the system were evaluated through beagle animal experiments. The AR radiographs were successfully superimposed on the real intraoperative videos. The anteroposterior (AP) and lateral errors of superimposed AR radiographs were 0.74 ± 0.21 mm and 1.13 ± 0.40 mm, respectively. The puncture needles could be tracked by the AR-MISS system in real time. The AP and lateral errors of the real-time AR needle tracking were 1.26 ± 0.20 mm and 1.22 ± 0.25 mm, respectively. With the help of AR radiographs and AR puncture needles, the puncture procedure could be guided visually by the system in real-time. The anteroposterior and lateral errors of AR-guided puncture were 2.47 ± 0.86 mm and 2.85 ± 1.17 mm, respectively. The results indicate that the AR-MISS system is accurate and applicable.

Complications of Endoscopic Thoracic Spine Surgery: Overview and Complication Avoidance

In endoscopic thoracic spine surgery, adaptations of thoracic surgical techniques such as full endoscopic uniportal and biportal surgical techniques have been developed. Full endoscopic uniportal surgery for thoracic disc herniation or thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum (OLF) has been performed via transforaminal and interlaminar approaches. In the case of thoracic OLF or thoracic spinal stenosis, the uniportal interlaminar approach is appropriate. The uniportal interlaminar approach has been used to treat thoracic OLF and has shown good surgical results. Thoracic OLF removal via a biportal endoscopic technique has been developed recently and is described in a few studies. Although endoscopic thoracic spine surgery has significant advantages, complications often occur with this approach. We reviewed the literature to date on the complications associated with endoscopic spine surgery in thoracic pathology. This review emphasizes how to avoid and manage complications. Based on the results of several previous studies, endoscopic thoracic spine surgery could be associated with fewer potential complications than conventional surgery. Endoscopic spine surgery has remarkable advantages; however, endoscopic thoracic surgery is technically challenging and is potentially associated with serious complications. To minimize the risk of avoidable complications, surgeons should be familiar with prevention methods and pitfalls.

Robotics and navigation in spine surgery: A narrative review

IntroductionIn recent decades, there has been a rising trend of spinal surgical interventional techniques, especially Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS), to improve the quality of life in an effective and safe manner. However, MIS techniques tend to be difficult to adapt and are associated with an increased risk of radiation exposure. This led to the development of ‘computer-assisted surgery’ in 1983, which integrated CT images into spinal procedures evolving into the present day robotic-assisted spine surgery. The authors aim to review the development of spine surgeries and provide an overview of the benefits offered. It includes all the comparative studies available to date. MethodsThe manuscript has been prepared as per “SANRA-a scale for the quality assessment of narrative review articles”. The authors searched Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus using the terms “(((((Robotics) OR (Navigation)) OR (computer assisted)) OR (3D navigation)) OR (Freehand)) OR (O-Arm)) AND (spine surgery)” and 68 articles were included for analysis excluding review articles, meta-analyses, or systematic literature. ResultsThe authors noted that 49 out of 68 studies showed increased precision of pedicle screw insertion, 10 out of 19 studies show decreased radiation exposure, 13 studies noted decreased operative time, 4 out of 8 studies showed reduced hospital stay and significant reduction in rates of infections, neurological deficits, the need for revision surgeries, and rates of radiological ASD, with computer-assisted techniques. ConclusionComputer-assisted surgeries have better accuracy of pedicle screw insertion, decreased blood loss and operative time, reduced radiation exposure, improved functional outcomes, and lesser complications.

TECHNIQUES OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY IN ADULT DEGENERATIVE SPINAL DEFORMITY : A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Adult spinal deformities are a leading cause of pain and disability in the modern world. Advances in modern healthcare has allowed the population’s life expectancy to increase substantially. Despite this, there has been a marked increase in the number of ill and disabled individuals, leading to impairment in their quality of life. In order to continue performing successfully as an adult beyond retirement age, it is imperative to avoid pain and limitations in physical activity. When an adult develops a spinal deformity, surgery can help alleviate pain and reduce disability. Adult scoliosis is defined as a spine curvature greater than 10 degrees in a patient older than 18 years; nevertheless, in more severe cases, treatment is sometimes advised. Degeneration may be accelerated by asymmetric disk/facet degeneration or osteoporotic insufficiency fractures. Recently, minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) has been at the forefront of innovation in spine surgery. MIS spine surgery not only refers to surgery through a smaller incision, but also to a technique that strives to reduce the approach-related morbidity associated with conventional open spine surgery. According to the findings of this study, Surgeons have to be prepared to offer both open or MIS for patients. Various MIS technique and its combination including hybrid surgery are used in cases of adult spinal deformity, the appropriate technique chosen for the surgery should include factors such as the spinopelvic harmony, age and outcome prediction of each patients into consideration as each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Complications in endoscopic spine surgery: a systematic review.

This systematic review aims to investigate the complication rate of endoscopic spine surgeries, stratifying them by technique, district and kind of procedure performed. This study was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. The literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Register, OTseeker and ScienceDirect database. Types of studies included were observational studies (cohort studies, case-control studies and case series) and randomised or quasi-randomised clinical with human subjects. No restrictions on publication year were applied. Repeated articles, reviews, expert's comments, congress abstracts, technical notes and articles not in English were excluded. Several data were extracted from the articles. In particular, data of perioperative (≤ 3 months) and late (> 3 months) complications were collected and grouped according to: (1) surgical technique [uniportal full-endoscopic spine surgery (UESS) or unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery (UBESS)]; (2) spinal district treated [cervical, thoracic or lumbar] and (3) type of procedure [discectomy/decompression or fusion]. Complication analysis was performed in subgroups with at least 100 patients to have clinically meaningful statistical validity. A total of 117 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Of the 117 records included, 95 focused their research on UESS (14 LOE V, 33 LOE IV, 43 LOE III and five LOE II) and 23 on UBESS (three LOE V, eight LOE IV, 10 LOE III and two LOE II). A total of 20,020 patients were extracted to investigate the incidence of different perioperative and late complications, 10,405 for UESS and 9615 for UBESS. The present study summarises the complications reported in the literature for spinal endoscopic procedures. On the one hand, the most relevant described were perioperative complications (transient neurological deficit, dural tear and dysesthesia) that are especially meaningful for endoscopic discectomy and decompression. On the other hand, late complications, such as mechanical implant failure, are more common in endoscopic interbody fusion. I.

Full Endoscopic Spine Surgery with Image-Guided Navigation System as “Hybrid Endoscopic Spine Surgery”: A Narrative Review

Endoscopic surgery is adopted as a minimally invasive technique in several surgical fields. Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) was performed initially for lumbar discectomy but is currently widely utilized for various pathologies. Similar to other endoscopic techniques, ESS has a steep learning curve that has recently been a topic of discussion. Image-guided navigation systems have been developed for spine surgery. Intraoperative computed tomography enables the use of an image-guided navigation system in ESS, which is a suitable approach for managing complex lesions. Full-ESS is currently being adopted for certain cervical pathologies, and the incorporation of an image-guided navigation system will soon enable surgery for other cervical pathologies.