Cervical Laminectomy with Foraminotomy by Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy
摘要
The conventional posterior approach for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy with radiculopathy has several drawbacks due to injury to the posterior cervical muscles and ligaments. In contrast, cervical laminectomy with foraminotomy performed using unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) offers several advantages, such as smaller skin incisions, preservation of the paraspinal muscle and ligamentous complex, and enhanced high-resolution magnification. This technique involves bilateral decompression through a unilateral approach. However, the sublaminar approach for contralateral decompression, similar to lumbar unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression, poses a risk of cord injury in the cervical spine. Thus, a bilateral subtotal laminectomy with floating of the tip of the spinous process is recommended. This chapter outlines the general indications for cervical laminectomy with foraminotomy by UBE and the associated surgical techniques. Additionally, the safety of this procedure and its effectiveness in preventing cord injury are examined.