Minimally invasive spine surgery with intervertebral foraminoscopy

    Minimally invasive spine techniques are available in a variety of specific procedures, the most representative of which is the foraminoscopic technique. Foraminoscopy is a type of spinal endoscopy, specifically, a transvertebral foraminal approach to the spine. This technique was developed in the 1990s and has been gradually matured and improved in the last decade, and intervertebral foraminal techniques are now widely performed in China with great potential for development. Minimally invasive spinal technology can be used to perform disc herniation, foraminal molding and fibrous ring repair in all segments from the cervical spine to the lumbar 5-sacral 1, with a satisfactory outcome of 75% to 90%. The most common application is the treatment of lumbar spine disorders, including herniated discs, as well as certain types of lumbar spinal stenosis, spinal infections, and spinal tuberculosis.  The foramina and techniques are divided into the Young technique, pioneered by Dr. Anthony Yeung in the United States, and the Thessys technique, pioneered by Dr. Thomas Hoogland in Germany. It is the least invasive and most effective procedure of its kind.  Introduction to the technique: This is the normal intervertebral disc that carries the load, cushions the force, and maintains intervertebral motion.       A herniated disc can compress nerves and cause symptoms such as back and leg pain. Intervertebral foraminoscopy removes the pressure on the nerve roots by completely removing the herniated or prolapsed nucleus pulposus and hyperplastic bone outside of the foramen’s safety triangle, the disc’s fibrous annulus, to eliminate pain.       The foraminoscopic technique removes herniated disc tissue under endoscopic surveillance, which is less invasive than the usual posterior procedure and avoids the medical instability caused by traditional surgery, thereby avoiding spinal fusion. The foraminoscopic technique gradually enlarges the intervertebral foramen through a reamer to completely remove any herniated or prolapsed fragments as well as the degenerated inflamed nucleus pulposus. It also allows for continuous irrigation and decontamination of the lesion, repair of the fibrous annulus using radiofrequency electrodes, ablation of nerve sensitizing tissue, and blockage of the annular nerve branches to relieve the patient of soft tissue pain.