High-Definition Imaging in Spinal Neuroendoscopy

BACKGROUND Spinal endoscopy is still under controversial discussion. An often acclaimed critic is the poor endoscopic image quality in comparison with the microscope. Since high-definition digital cameras have recently been introduced into spinal neuroendoscopy, the aim of the current study is to examine whether superior image quality has a relevant impact on intraoperativen orientation. MATERIAL AND METHODS A lumbar endoscopic discectomy was recorded simultaneously in High-Definition resolution (HD) and Standard-Definition resolution (SD). 10 experienced spinal surgeons were asked to identify predefined as well as not predefined anatomic structures in HD and SD resolution. Additionally, th…