Abstract:

The anterior endoscopic cervical microdecompression (AECM) of disc and foramen with added application of nonablative lower holmium laser energy for disc shrinkage (laser thermodiskoplasty) has proven to be safe, less traumatic, easier, and more efficacious than conventional methods with significant economic savings. It preserves spinal motion and provides a channel for spinal arthroplasty. It is an effective alternative or replacement for conventional open cervical spinal surgery for discectomy, and can decompress spinal stenosis and degenerative spine conditions.

Authors:

John C. Chiu, M.D., D.Sc., F.R.C.S., Director, Department of Neurospine Surgery, Department of Neurospine Surgery, California Center for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, California Spine Institute Medical Center, Thousand Oaks, California, USA

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