Biportal endoscopic-assisted cortical bone trajectory screw placement and lumbar interbody fusion.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endoscopically assisted screw fixation with lumbar interbody fusion is rarely performed. We succeeded in implanting the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screws under the guidance of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE). METHOD: We attempted endoscopically assisted screw fixation in a patient with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Through a third portal, ipsilateral CBT screws were implanted without complications. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully performed unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF) with CBT and reversed CBT screws. Compared with percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) placement, this procedure is a minimally invasive, endoscopic alternative that allows precise screw placement.