title: Minimally invasive space shuttle laminotomy for degenerative lumbar spinal canal stenosis.
abstract: METHODS
  Technical note.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To show microsurgical technique, considering the meticulous anatomy of the ligamentum flavum (LF).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Different methods are available for treating lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). A minimally invasive surgery, namely, space shuttle laminotomy, has recently been proposed. Here, we describe the surgical method for this novel technique. To conduct this surgery accurately, surgeons must have perfect knowledge of anatomy, especially regarding the LF.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We use this interlaminectomy technique for all cases of LSCS. All patients with LSCS recovered from their neurological deficits in shorter hoslital stays than regular laminectomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Minimally invasive space shuttle laminotomy (MISSL), which involves a microsurgical technique, is a safe, complication-free procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Mita Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Japan.
authors.forename: Shunji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Asamoto
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Muto
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jimbo
keywords: Anatomy; KAIRison; decompression; degenerative lumbar spinal canal stenosis; ligamentum flavum (LF); microsurgery; minimally invasive surgery; one-level laminotomy; removal of the spinous process; space shuttle laminotomy