Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Korea - A Neurosurgeon’s View

In Korea, neurosurgery has taken the lead in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) since early 1980s, unlike most of other countries, in which orthopedic surgery usually leads MISS. Between 1990s and 2000s, surgical techniques and relevant equipments and tools of endoscopic discectomy have been rapidly developed and extended its surgical indications. In this development, KOMIISS and its members, especially practicing physicians made a great contribution, especially in the field of endoscopic discectomy in Korea and in the world. High technology and science have given a birth to new MISS devices currently, and some of these devices such as epiduroscopic laser discectomy and annuloplasty technologies have been launched and used in Korea market. Other advanced technologies and engineerings area also expected to contribute to the future of MISS. Korean spine surgeons should stand the pace of such scientific developments to maintain their reputation in MISS.