Endoscopic approach to the cervical spine

The technical possibilities in reaching the cervical spine by videoendoscop y through the anterior and posterior approach are shown. Between January 1998 and March of 2000, 41 patients were operated on: 24 pa tients underwent cervical foraminotomy by posterior videoendoscopy and, in 17 patients, discectomy and anterior fusion of the cervical spine was perfo rmed. The approach in each case was chosen based on the patient's clinical condit ions: Foraminotomy was performed when there existed unilateral radiculopaty and t he diagnosis was confirmed by image exams. The anterior approach was reserv ed for cases where there was bilateral radiculopaty or mielopaty. The follow up in 70% of cases was approximately 7 months.