Posterior Full-Endoscopic Cervical Foraminotomy and Diskectomy: Surgical Techniques and Review of Outcomes

Cervical endoscopic spine surgery is growing in popularity. The primary endoscopic surgery for cervical spine pathologies is presently posterior foraminotomy and diskectomy. After positioning of the portal over the interpedicular space, resection of the facet joint, ligament flavum, and facet capsule is similar to that of a standard open procedure. Reported outcomes are favorable, and complications are generally not greater than those in standard open or miniopen techniques. Decreased access-related morbidity and the excellent visibility afforded by a clear, magnified surgical field with minimal epidural bleeding have the potential to improve early postoperative outcomes and recovery speed. As is the case with other endoscopic spine surgeries, the challenging learning curve is the primary barrier to adoption.