As a Spine Surgeon, I continue to focus on safer, evidence-based solutions for elderly patients with complex spinal pathology.
Recently, I managed an 84-year-old patient with degenerative lumbar scoliosis and severe L4–L5 stenosis, where traditional long-segment stabilization would have required a high-risk surgery due to multiple comorbidities.
To avoid the morbidity of an extensive fusion, we opted for a Navigation-Guided Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic (UBE) Decompression assisted by O-arm 3D navigation. This approach enabled:
- Precise localization despite scoliotic distortion
- Targeted bilateral decompression through two small portals
- Preservation of stabilizing structures—preventing the need for long-segment instrumentation
- Minimal blood loss and reduced surgical stress
The results were encouraging:
- Significant pain reduction immediately after surgery
- The patient was discharged on Post-Operative Day 2
- Functional recovery began early, with preserved spinal alignment on follow-up
This case highlights an important takeaway:
- For carefully selected high-risk patients, minimally invasive, navigation-assisted endoscopic decompression can provide effective relief while avoiding the risks of long-segment fusion surgery.
- I remain committed to advancing patient-centric, minimally invasive spine care and contributing to ongoing progress in UBE techniques.
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