Abstract
Endoscopy of the lumbar spine has traditionally found much broader
adoption than those endoscopic procedures of other areas of the spine. Initially, a
herniated disc was the target of endoscopic spine surgery techniques. Stenosis
indications were later identified as technological advancements permitted. Many
endoscopic spinal surgeries commenced in the domain of interventional pain
management. Lasers and radiofrequency were applied to some of the procedures that
nowadays are aided by direct videoendsocopic visualization of the painful pathology.
In this chapter, the authors briefly reviewed the history of spinal endoscopy and its key
opinion leaders. Giving credit to the most prominent pioneers of this fast-moving field
sets the stage for what the reader is about to discover in this most-up-to-date
publication: Contemporary Spinal Endoscopy: Lumbar Spine.
Keywords: Lumbar spine, disc herniation, stenosis, impingement, degeneration, decompression, open, minimally invasive, endoscopic, historical considerations, lasers, radiofrequency