Fig. 3

Intraoperative C-arm scan and endoscopic images. a Intraoperative C-arm sagittal fluoroscopy showing the placement of the spreader along the kyphotic needle to the “V” point. b A high-speed diamond drill is used to thin the lamina. c The remaining thin bone fragments are removed with occlusal forceps. d The herniated disc tissue is removed with nucleus pulposus forceps. e The spinal cord and nerve roots are sufficiently decompressed. f Intraoperative C-arm sagittal fluoroscopy shows the use of a trephine to create a transcorporeal bone channel. g The residual bone in the bone channel is polished using a diamond high-speed drill. h Use of a blunt hook to confirm the opening of the posterior wall of the bone channel. i Removal of the herniated disc tissue using nucleus pulposus forceps. j The dural sac notably re-expands after herniated disc removal