Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) has evolved as a safe, effective, and efficient alternative for minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). The innovation of full-endoscopic systems makes definitive decompression surgery through different approaches feasible. The approach can be determined according to the location of the target lesion or the surgeon's preference. During the past 2 decades, ESS has expanded its indications from lumbar to cervical spines. Except for decompression, endoscopy-assisted fusion surgery is also developing. However, ESS is still evolving and has a steep learning curve. The revolution of technologies and ESS techniques will enable surgeons to treat various spinal diseases more practically. In recent years, the application of the computer-assisted navigation system and augmented reality have reformed imaging quality and interpretation. The endoscopic rhizotomy techniques have opened a new way for MISS of chronic low back pain. This review introduces the current indications of ESS and its potential future expansion.

Critical stroke causes high morbidity and mortality. We examined if variables in the early stage of critical stroke could predict in-hospital mortality. We recruited 611 ischemic and 805 hemorrhagic stroke patients who were admitted within 24 h after the symptom onset. Data were analyzed with independent t test and Chi square test, and then with multivariate logistic regression analysis. In ischemic stroke, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR 1.08; 95 % CI 1.06–1.11; P < 0.01), white blood cell count (OR 1.11; 95 % CI 1.05–1.18; P < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (BP) (OR 0.49; 95 % CI 0.26–0.90; P = 0.02) and age (OR 1.03; 95 % CI 1.00–1.05; P = 0.03) were associated with in-hospital mortality. In hemorrhagic stroke, NIHSS score (OR 1.12; 95 % CI 1.09–1.14; P < 0.01), systolic BP (OR 0.25; 95 % CI 0.15–0.41; P < 0.01), heart disease (OR 1.94; 95 % CI 1.11–3.39; P = 0.02) and creatinine (OR 1.16; 95 % CI 1.01–1.34; P = 0.04) were related to in-hospital mortality. Nomograms using these significant predictors were constructed for easy and quick evaluation of in-hospital mortality. Variables in acute stroke can predict in-hospital mortality and help decision-making in clinical practice using nomogram.