Evolution of Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Basic, Advanced and Novel Applications

Whilst the first endoscopic lumbar discectomies were performed in the 1980s, the adoption of endoscopic spine surgery, which represents the least invasive of all MIS procedures, has only gained traction over the last decade or so, limited by technology, learning curve and reimbursement patterns. At the same time, the need to reduce surgical invasiveness and perioperative footprint on patients has never been more existential, due in part to an ageing and more infirm population, coupled with growing pressures on healthcare systems worldwide.