Endoscopic Transforaminal Thoracic Decompression for Removal of a Giant Calcified Thoracic Disc Herniation

To demonstrate the preoperative workup, surgical planning and execution of transforaminal endoscopic thoracic discectomy (TETD) for a giant calcified disc herniation. Surgeries for symptomatic thoracic disc herniations are rare and challenging. The main goal is to achieve sufficient decompression with minimal manipulation of the spinal cord. Conventional surgical techniques may have significant approach-related morbidities and often require additional stabilization. The full endoscopic transforaminal technique is the least invasive approach so far. A 73-year-old female patient with progressive gait disturbance and paraparesis received radiological imaging which revealed a giant calcified thoracic disc herniation at the level T11-12. The preoperative workup, planning and execution of TETD is demonstrated in detail. This report represents a typical educational case of a giant calcified thoracic disc herniation, treated by TETD.