Full endoscopic decompression of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum

초록

Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (T-OLF) can lead to spinal canal narrowing, resulting in thoracic myelopathy [1]. Previous reports have described the use of microscopes and endoscopes, whether full-endoscopic or biportal, demonstrating that minimally invasive decompression is effective for treating T-OLF [2–4]. Thanks to minimally invasive surgery (MIS), patients experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, and reduced trauma to the paravertebral muscles and facet joints, while also minimizing postoperative instability. However, most studies have been conducted on elderly patients, primarily in their 40 s or older. Only a very limited number of case reports have focused on younger individuals, particularly professional baseball players [5–6]. In such patients, muscle activity and joint stability are of paramount importance, and there have been occasional reports raising concerns about postoperative instability. In this video article, we demonstrate full endoscopic decompression of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum via an interlaminar approach, performed in currently active professional baseball player.

키워드