Endoscopic Spine Surgery of the Cervicothoracic Spine: A Review of Current Applications

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic spine surgery in the cervicothoracic spine is generating continued interest in a rapidly evolving field. The authors present 4 techniques for fully endoscopic cervical spine surgery: (1) posterior cervical unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression, (2) posterior cervical foraminotomy, (3) anterior cervical discectomy, and (4) anterior transcorporal discectomy. Two techniques for fully endoscopic thoracic spine surgery are also presented: (1) posterior thoracic unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression and (2) transforaminal thoracic endoscopic discectomy and foraminotomy. Methods: We describe 6 different surgical approaches and review the relevant literature about each technique. Results: The clinical application of endoscopic spine surgery techniques has evolved over the past 40 years. Recent data suggest comparable outcomes to other procedures and perhaps fewer complications and quicker recovery when these techniques are used in the cervical and thoracic spine. Significant variability exists in these approaches depending on the goal of canal decompression, root decompression, and the site of the pathology. Conclusions: Each endoscopic approach in the cervicothoracic spine has its technical nuances, outcomes, advantages, and disadvantages, making fully endoscopic cervicothoracic spine surgery an exciting and growing field.