Endoscopic Anatomy and Features of Anterior Cervical Foraminotomy by Destandau Technique.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive spine surgery limits surgical trauma and avoids traditional open surgery so in the majority of cases, recovery is much quicker and patients have less pain after surgery.

AIM: The authors describe an endoscopic approach to anterior cervical foraminotomy (ACF) by Destandau's method.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anterior cervical foraminotomy by Destandau's method is carried out under general anaesthesia. A 3 cm transverse skin incision is used just slightly past the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid's muscle laterally. After exposing and dissecting superficial cervical fascia, platysma muscle, and deep cervical fascia, Endospine material designed by Destandau will be inserted. As from this moment, the procedure will continue using endoscopy.

RESULTS: the Endoscopic approach to anterior cervical foraminotomy by Destandau's method offers a convenient access to the cervical foraminal stenosis with fewer complications and negligible morbidity and gives maximum exposure to discal space with the goal of minimising cutaneous incision.

CONCLUSION: Contrary to the other minimally invasive approaches, the visual field in foraminotomy by Destandau technique is broad and depending on the workability of Endospine an adequate access to cervical disc is possible.