Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Laminectomy And Flavectomy For The Treatment Of Spinal Stenosis In Cadaveric Specimens

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of a new technique of percutaneous endoscopic cervical laminectomy and flavectomy (PECLF) for the treatment degenerative cervical compressive myelopathy in a cadaver study.Methods:The Select one fresh male adult cadaver specimens, age 68 years old, with degenerative cervical spinal stenosis due to hyperplasia of the ligamentum flavum at C5/6 level which was confirmed by preoperative high-resolution computerized tomography was decompressed using this technique. The introduction of working channel and the endoscope was performed to C5/6 level under anteroposterior and lateral view by C-arm fluoroscopy guidance, The inferior part of the C5 lamina and the superior portion of the C6 lamina were removed by using a high-speed drill. The adequacy of spinal cord decompression can be obtained by visualized removing the hyperplasia of the ligamentum flavum with disc rongeur and Kerrison rongeur. At the same time, the duration of surgery was recorded, CT examination was performed after surgery, and then the organization structure nearby surgical areas were dissected.Results:Surgery was accomplished at C5/6 level, the total operation time was 65 min, postoperation CT examination revealed that the adequacy of spinal cord decompression was obtained. The important organization structure nearby surgical areas such as spinal cord or nerve root were no damage.Conclusion:Percutaneous endoscopic cervical laminectomy and flavectomy is technically feasible for cervical spinal cord decompression, This minimal invasive technique protects most of the dorsal structures and therefore probably preserves biomechanical functions, which has to be proven in future clinical studies.