Full-endoscopic posterior foraminotomy surgery for cervical disc herniations.

OBJECTIVE

Surgery for cervical disc herniation with full-endoscopic posterior access.

INDICATIONS

Cervical disc herniation and neuroforaminal pathology with radicular symptoms.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Neck pain alone, cervical myelopathy or pathologies with central nervous system symptoms, instabilities requiring correction/instabilities.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Introduction of a surgical tube to the facet joint at the level to be operated on. Resection of bony and ligamentous parts of the cervical spinal canal under endoscopic guidance. Visualisation of the disc herniation and decompression of the neural structures.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Immediate mobilisation, specific rehabilitative physiotherapy depending on pre-existing neurological deficits.

RESULTS

A total of 87 patients underwent full-endoscopic posterior surgery and were followed over a period of 2 years. Significant improvement was observed. No serious complications occurred. In all, 5 patients underwent revision in the follow-up period. Of the patients, 93% would undergo the procedure again.