Overview of instruments in endoscopic spine surgery

Abstract

In uniportal endoscopic surgery, instruments must be sufficiently long to extend through the entire length of the endoscope while providing adequate external working space for precise tip manipulation. However, it is important to note that longer instruments with smaller diameters help minimize access-related trauma, they are also more prone to breakage. Standard spine surgery instruments—including Penfield dissectors, curettes, Kerrison punches, burrs, and knives—are manufactured in a range of lengths and diameters to suit different surgical approaches, such as transforaminal and interlaminar techniques. However, all the open surgery instruments can be used in unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery. This chapter details the modular design of surgical instruments along with the camera, light source, and water pumps equipped in endoscopic towers.