Various endoscopic spinal surgery techniques to remove herniated discs in
the lumbar spine have gained popularity. The “inside-out” and “outside-in”
transforaminal techniques have been employed extensively, and their clinical
indications have expanded with the advances in video-imaging and endoscopic optical
and surgical equipment. In this chapter, the authors review some of the relevant
anatomical considerations the endoscopic spine surgeon should consider when
scheduling a patient for endoscopic spinal surgery. The authors also present their most
up-to-date knowledge of technological advances and new endoscopic surgery
techniques to provide the reader with a snapshot of modern advancements of the
established transforaminal “inside-out” and “outside-in” and interlaminar methods.
This chapter sets the anatomical stage for many of the following chapters in this
volume 2 of the Bentham text series on Contemporary Endoscopic Spinal Surgery.
Keywords: Endoscopic approaches & techniques, Foraminal anatomy.
