A Technical Report on Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy in Thoracic Spinal Surgery
With consistently improving surgical skills, a number of thoracic spinal procedures using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, including thoracic discectomy, internal rib thoracoplasty, anterior osteotomy, corpectomy, and fusion, can be performed safely and with no additional surgical time or risk to the patient. Read more...

Endoscopic Lateral Transpsoas Approach to the Lumbar Spine
Initial results show the endoscopic lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine to a be a safe, minimally invasive method for anterior fusion of the first through the fourth lumbar vertebrae. However, there is a risk of transient groin/thigh numbness or pain. This approach allows for exposure of the lumbar spine without mobilization of the great vessels or sympathetic plexus. Read more…

Revision and Explantation Strategies Involving the CHARITÉ Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement
Complete disc replacement implant revisions occur largely as a result of technical errors in positioning and sizing of the implant. In addition, adherence to strict patient selection criteria will eliminate many cases of implant failure. As necessary, anterior revision surgery can be performed safely when a strategic approach is used. Read more…

Evaluation of Surgical Volume and the Early Experience With Lumbar Total Disc Replacement as Part of the Investigational Device Exemption Study of the Charité Artificial Disc
Surgeons and institutions with a high volume of lumbar total disc replacement cases have a reduction in key perioperative and postoperative parameters that provide a clinical and /or economic benefit. Surgeons may expect longer hospital stays, higher blood loss, and a higher rate of certain complications in their early experience with total disc replacement procedures, but there was no effect on clinical outcomes. Read more…

Access strategies for revision or explanation of the Charité lumbar artificial disc replacement
Owing to vascular and ureteral fixation, anterior exposure of the lumbar spine for revision or explanation of the Charité disc replacement should be performed through an alternative approach unless the procedure is performed less than 2 weeks of the index procedure. Read more…

Thoracoscopic Microdiscectomy
The Thoracoscopic approach for the microsurgical removal of herniated thoracic discs is described, and perioperative management is also discussed. The microsurgical techniques used for decompression of the spinal can in the thoracic spine are presented in detail. An outline of the diagnostic imaging, surgical positioning, approach, port placement, localization of the thoracic level, exposure of the surgical field, excision of the rib head, exposure with removal of the herniated disc, and postoperative management. Read more…

Principles of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
In laparoscopy, rather than transecting abdominal musculature, narrow portals are inserted to access the peritoneal cavity. Consequently, postoperative pain and recovery time are reduced, leading to shortened hospital stays and earlier return to work compared to open surgery. Read more…

Laparoscopic Approach to L4-L5 for Interbody Fusion Using BAK Cages: Experience in the First 58 Cases
The laparoscopic L4-L5 procedure can be accomplished with few complications, provided a dedicated team of collaborative surgeons with experience in laparoscopic spine techniques is employed.
Variations in vascular anatomy did not prevent successful insertion of two threaded fusion cages. Read more…

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Excision of Herniated Thoracic Disc: Description of Technique and Preliminary Experience in the First 29 Cases
This study evaluates the technique and results of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for the treatment of symptomatic thoracic disc herniation. Results were compared with a literature review of open surgical techniques of thoracic disc excision with regard to efficacy, safety and surgical outcomes. Read more…

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Thoracic Disc Disease
The clinical classification system helps in differentiating different presentations of thoracic disc disease and their final outcome. Video-assisted thorascopic surgery appears to be a safe and efficacious method for the treatment of refractory symptomatic thoracic disc herniations. Read more…

Reoperation for Herniated Thoracic Discs
Calcified, large, broad-based, centrally located, or transdural thoracic disc herniations can be difficult to resect. These lesions require a ventral operative approach to visualize the dura adequately for a safe and complete resection. Read more…