Background: The basic endoscopic instruments are not suitable for removing calcified or hard discs in patients with thoracic disc herniations (TDH). We describe a percutaneous endoscopic technique for the treatment of calcified TDH using an endoscopic drill system with a T rigid bendable burr.
Methods: Eleven patients (8 males, mean age 42.1 years) with single-segmental calcified TDH were treated with percutaneous endoscopic surgeries.
Results: Our technique using this endoscopic drill system with a T rigid bendable burr is safe and effective for the treatment of calcified TDH.
Conclusions: Percutaneous endoscopic decompression using the T rigid bendable burr is a safe and reproducible surgical procedure for the treatment of calcified TDH.
Keywords: Percutaneous endoscopy; calcification; minimally invasive surgery; thoracic disc herniation.