Navigation-assisted unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression using a 0-degree endoscope for upper lumbar spinal stenosis: a technical note on facet preservation
Shinya Arataki, Akiyoshi Miyamoto, Tadashi Komatsubara, Masato Tanaka · 2026
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Description
Narrowing of the spinal canal high in the back is tricky to operate on because the working space is tight and the joints that stabilize the spine sit close. Shinya Arataki and co-authors describe a gentler endoscopic technique in this 2026 technical note. Two small portals and a straight-view scope are used, guided by a navigation system.
The aim is to free the pinched cord while preserving the approach-side joint that keeps the spine stable. A straight scope view acts as a control strategy, the authors argue, limiting how much bone the surgeon removes by habit or by awkward angles. Over-removal can leave the spine unstable and lead to fusion surgery later. The note explains the steps and the reasoning for other spine surgeons.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | Shinya Arataki, Akiyoshi Miyamoto, Tadashi Komatsubara, Masato Tanaka |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 2026 |
| COLLECTION | PAPERS |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 22 KB |
| VERSION | 1.0 |
| LICENSE | CC BY 4.0 |
| RIGHTS | CC BY |
| SOURCE | Europe PMC |