Abstract
Uniform use of nomenclature and classification systems appears logical to
anyone attempting to systematically study clinical outcomes with new emerging
technology applications in spine surgery. At the introduction of spinal endoscopy into
routine clinical practice, today's key opinion leaders introduced nomenclature
conducive to the description of their innovations at the time. With endoscopy of the
spine becoming more mainstream several authors have pushed classification systems for clinical outcome studies. Others have introduced terminology in hopes of them
being adopted to further research and health care policy agendas. These nomenclature
and classification systems' practicality in routine clinical practice may be debatable and
perhaps be considered by some an academic exercise. However, the need for some
common language and categorization of descriptors of painful pathology, confounding
factors, and their treatments are accepted by most. This chapter summarizes the
literature on nomenclature, terminology, and classification systems relevant to clinical
outcome research in spinal endoscopy. It was motivated by the desire to formalize its
clinical outcome research, bring it up to par with traditional translaminar spine surgery
techniques, and, ultimately, incorporate it into clinical treatment and coverage
guidelines formulated by spine societies and payors.
Keywords: Classification, Clinical outcome research, Nomenclature, Spinal endoscopy, Terminology