J Neurosurg Sci
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In recent years, minimally invasive surgical techniques for lumbar fusion and fixation procedures gained worldwide popularity. Herein we describe a personal technique for percutaneous lumbar interbody fusion associated with minimally invasive posterior fixation for patients affected by degenerative disc disease and lumbar instability. The procedure is described in a step-by-step way and early results are presented. Although the present data reflect only an early experience, we believe that this is a straightforward procedure which may be more advantageous in terms of surgical invasiveness, potentially saving operative and recovery time and reducing risks compared to posterior or anterior approaches for lumbar interbody fusion.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of microscopic endoscopic assisted suprameatal tubercle drilling with a retrosigmoid approach and it focuses on the anatomic structures identified with the endoscope. The advantages of the 30 degrees optic view are also described. ⋯ Microscopic endoscopic assisted suprameatal tubercle drilling is a feasible procedure that allows the identification of all neurovascular structures in the cerebellopontine angle and petrous apex region. The opening of Meckel's Cave may be particularly useful for lesions located in the cerebellopontine angle having a minor component that extends anteriorly and laterally in the middle cranial fossa.