Microendoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy: a cadaveric model and clinical application for cervical radiculopathy.
OBJECTIVE
Cervical radiculopathy caused by either soft herniated disc material or foraminal stenosis is a common problem. Anterior and posterior surgical approaches are commonly used to decompress the nerve root. The authors undertook a study to establish the feasibility of performing a microendoscopic posterior approach for cervical foraminotomy in the clinical setting.


METHODS
The authors performed an endoscopic posterior foraminotomy technique in which they used a rigid endoscope, in both a cadaver model and in three clinical cases, including one in which a multiple-level procedure was undertaken. Postoperatively, all patients returned to functional work status within 4 weeks. The mean length of hospitalization was 1.3 days.


CONCLUSIONS
The advantages to this technique include improved intraoperative visualization, a smaller incision, and significantly less postoperative discomfort compared with a traditional keyhole approach.
Burke
T G
TG
Department of Neurosurgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA. timburke@gwu.edu
Caputy
A
A
D000328:Adult; D002102:Cadaver; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008846:Micromanipulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000601:surgery; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000150:complications