Endoscopic Intravertebral Canal Decompression after Spinal Fracture

Abstract

Spinal endoscopy allows creating access to areas of the spine that are ordinarily difficult to reach, thereby reducing the collateral damage from extensive exposure to treat common degenerative or traumatic conditions of the spine. In this chapter, the authors present a case of endoscopic spinal canal decompression in a patient who sustained a burst fracture near the thoracolumbar junction. The endoscopic decompression technique was employed, which resulted in removing bone fragments, causing compression of the neural elements. The burst fracture was then stabilized with a percutaneous short pedicle screw construct. The patient did well with the hybridized endoscopic and minimally invasive decompression and stabilization technique. The authors are making a case for considering the endoscopic spinal surgery platform other than the traditionally accepted indications in the interest to diminish further blood loss, pain, and complication rates associated with spinal fracture surgeries.