The impact of minimally invasive cervical spine surgery. Invited submission from the Joint Section Meeting on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, March 2004.

Since 1997, cervical endoscopic laminoforaminotomy (CELF) has been an effective and safe treatment option for unilateral cervical radiculopathy secondary to disc herniation or foraminal stenosis. The development of the surgical technique is reviewed and recent outcomes discussed. Its impact is addressed in relation to the patient and surgeon.