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. 2023 Mar;20(1):33-42.
doi: 10.14245/ns.2346190.095. Epub 2023 Mar 31.

Current Indications for Spinal Endoscopic Surgery and Potential for Future Expansion

Kuo-Tai Chen  1 , Jin-Sung Kim  2 , Abel Po-Hao Huang  3 , Martin Hsiu-Chu Lin  1 , Chien-Min Chen  4   5
Affiliations

Current Indications for Spinal Endoscopic Surgery and Potential for Future Expansion

Kuo-Tai Chen et al. Neurospine. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) has evolved as a safe, effective, and efficient alternative for minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). The innovation of full-endoscopic systems makes definitive decompression surgery through different approaches feasible. The approach can be determined according to the location of the target lesion or the surgeon's preference. During the past 2 decades, ESS has expanded its indications from lumbar to cervical spines. Except for decompression, endoscopy-assisted fusion surgery is also developing. However, ESS is still evolving and has a steep learning curve. The revolution of technologies and ESS techniques will enable surgeons to treat various spinal diseases more practically. In recent years, the application of the computer-assisted navigation system and augmented reality have reformed imaging quality and interpretation. The endoscopic rhizotomy techniques have opened a new way for MISS of chronic low back pain. This review introduces the current indications of ESS and its potential future expansion.

Keywords: Endoscopic; Indications; Minimally invasive; Rhizotomy; Spine.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
The application of intraoperative navigation in full-endoscopic thoracic spine surgery. (A) Intraoperative computed tomography scan for localization and intraoperative neuronavigation. (B) The surgeon can localize the target and confirm real-time orientation during the operation.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Navigation-guided full-endoscopic rhizotomy for sacroiliac joint pain treatment. (A) The endoscopic instrument with trackers guides the working sheath toward the target area. (B) The navigation screen shows the docking site of the working sheath. (C) Full-endoscopic rhizotomy of lateral branches of sacral dorsal ramus.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Navigation-guided full-endoscopic rhizotomy for coccydynia. (A) Endoscopic rhizotomy of the posterior ramus of the coccygeal nerve by radiofrequency ablation (Vantage Biotech Co., Ltd., Taoyuan, Taiwan). (B) Intraoperative navigation helps the localization of lesion sites.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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