Fully navigated biportal endoscopic lumbar decompression using non-invasive surface registration: a single-institution technical feasibility series.

Abstract

Biportal endoscopic spine surgery offers advantages over open approaches but presents challenges with anatomical orientation. We describe a reproducible technique for fully navigated biportal endoscopic lumbar decompression using a non-invasive surface reference and continuously tracked working instruments, and report operative metrics and safety outcomes in an initial consecutive series. Seven consecutive patients underwent fully navigated biportal endoscopic lumbar decompression between June and November 2025 after institutional review board approval. The Stryker navigation platform was paired with intraoperative computed tomography (Ziehm 3D), a SpineMask Tracker surface reference, and NavLock quick-release adapters permitting continuous tracking of the working cannula, radiofrequency probe, high-speed burr, and 30-degree endoscope. Decompression followed the standardized five-step "Z" sequence, with en bloc "butterfly/two-wings" ligamentum flavum resection where indicated. Three men and four women (mean age 71.0 ± 19.4 years; mean body mass index 30.6 ± 5.7 kg/m²) underwent decompression at nine lumbar levels. Common pathologies included central canal stenosis (86%), spondylolisthesis (57%), and lateral recess stenosis (57%). Mean operative time was 157.7 ± 73.9 min, fluoroscopy time 1.4 ± 0.5 min, and cumulative reference air kerma 70.3 ± 39.6 mGy, a mean of 87% of which was contributed by the intraoperative cone-beam CT (3D) acquisitions rather than by two-dimensional fluoroscopy. There were no registration failures, conversions, or intraoperative complications, and no 30-day reoperations or readmissions; five of seven patients were discharged the same day. Fully navigated biportal endoscopic lumbar decompression using a non-invasive surface reference and continuously tracked instruments is technically feasible and integrates into a standardized decompression workflow without disrupting it. The technique is reproducible and provides a platform for prospective comparative evaluation.