Minimally invasive spinal surgery: a historical perspective

• DOI: 10.3171/foc.2004.16.1.14
• Publication Date: 2008-01-24T12:04:56Z
• Authors: Issada Thongtrangan; Hoang Le; Jon Park; Daniel H. Kim
• Keywords: Discectomy; Invasive surgery; Vertebrectomy; Thoracoscopy; Diskectomy; Foraminotomy; Endoscope

The concept of minimally invasive spinal surgery embodies the goal achieving clinical outcomes comparable to those conventional open surgery, while minimizing risk iatrogenic injury that may be incurred during exposure process. development microscopy, laser technology, endoscopy, and video image guidance systems provided foundation on which is based. Minimally treatments have been undertaken in all areas axis since 20th century. Lumbar disc disease has treated using chemonucleolysis, percutaneous discectomy, intradiscal thermoablation, microdiscectomy techniques. initial use thoracoscopy for thoracic discs tumor biopsies expanded include deformity correction, sympathectomy, vertebrectomy with reconstruction instrumentation, resection paraspinal neurogenic tumors. Laparoscopic techniques, such as used appendectomy or cholecystectomy by general surgeons, evolved into procedures performed surgeons anterior lumbar discectomy fusion. Image-guided adapted facilitate pedicle screw placement increased accuracy. Over past decade, treatment cervical disorders become feasible applying technologies similar developed spine. Endoscope-assisted transoral laminectomy, foraminotomy represent continual evolution surgery. Further improvement optics imaging resources, biological agents, introduction instrumentation designed will inevitably lead further applications spine