Minimally invasive space shuttle laminotomy for degenerative lumbar spinal canal stenosis

STUDY DESIGN: Technical note. OBJECTIVES: To show microsurgical technique, considering the meticulous anatomy of the ligamentum flavum (LF). BACKGROUND: Different methods are available for treating lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). A minimally invasive surgery, namely, space shuttle laminotomy, has recently been proposed. Here, we describe the surgical method for this novel technique. To conduct this surgery accurately, surgeons must have perfect knowledge of anatomy, especially regarding the LF. MATERIALS AND METHODS AND RESULTS: We use this interlaminectomy technique for all cases of LSCS. All patients with LSCS recovered from their neurological deficits in shorter hoslital stays than regular laminectomy. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive space shuttle laminotomy (MISSL), which involves a microsurgical technique, is a safe, complication-free procedure.