Microendoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy: a cadaveric model and clinical application for cervical radiculopathy

Object. Cervical radiculopathy caused by either soft herniated disc material or foraminal stenosis is a common problem. Anterior and posterior surgical approaches are commonly used to decompress the nerve root. The authors undertook a study to establish the feasibility of performing a microendoscopic posterior approach for cervical foraminotomy in the clinical setting. Methods. The authors performed an endoscopic posterior foraminotomy technique in which they used a rigid endoscope, in both a cadaver model and in three clinical cases, including one in which a multiple-level procedure was undertaken. Postoperatively, all patients returned to functional work status within 4 weeks. The mean length of hospitalization was 1.3 days. Conclusions. The advantages to this technique include improved intraoperative visualization, a smaller incision, and significantly less postoperative discomfort compared with a traditional keyhole approach.