Algorithms to Choose Between Anterior and Posterior Cervical Endoscopy

Full endoscopic surgery of the cervical spine has gained more popularity, raising the question of its indications, patient selection criteria, and the appropriate choice of the various anterior and posterior techniques. In this chapter, the authors attempt to delineate the criteria for selecting patients for the different full endoscopic surgical techniques for the cervical spine's common painful degenerative conditions. The authors review the common forms of surgical pathology, including foraminal, lateral- and central canal stenosis, and distinguish between radiculopathy and myelopathy. They introduce algorithms for the full endoscopic treatment of these conditions by relying on validated classification systems for cervical disc herniations and their associated appearance on advanced imaging studies, including magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. Moreover, the authors review the risks, contraindications, and limitations of the various anterior and posterior full endoscopic surgery techniques related to the current technology standards.

Keywords: Anterior and posterior approaches, Cervical foraminal and central stenosis, Cervical herniated disc, Full endoscopy, Indications, Iimitations.