Biportal endoscopic transforaminal thoracic interbody fusion for the treatment of thoracic myelopathy.

BACKGROUND

Biportal endoscopic spine surgery independently controls two hands, similar to microscopic surgery, and utilizes a broader working space that is not disturbed by retractors under clear-magnified endoscopic vision. These advantages facilitate successful neural decompression and safe transforaminal interbody fusion, even in patients with thoracic spondylotic myelopathy.

METHODS

A wide laminectomy and precise total facetectomy, in conjunction with partial pediculotomy, establish a secure transforaminal space for cage insertion. Endplate preparation and cage insertion were performed without retracting the spinal cord under direct endoscopic vision.

CONCLUSION

Biportal endoscopic transforaminal thoracic interbody fusion can be a feasible technique for treating thoracic spondylotic myelopathy at the thoracolumbar junction levels.