The structured debate surveyed 106 respondents across 35 countries. Endoscopic fusion was favored for soft-tissue preservation, visualization and recovery, while long-term outcomes, fusion and revision remained uncertain.
Key findings
- Endoscopic fusion offers perioperative tissue-preservation advantages
- Mid-term outcomes are broadly comparable
- Fusion and revision endpoints remain unresolved
Why this matters globally
The debate has shifted from feasibility toward training standardization, cost-effectiveness and long-term durability.
Thai researcher contribution
Thai contributors represented Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, the Thai Red Cross, Kasemrad Ramkhamhaeng, Chulalongkorn and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
Limitations to consider
The survey was not a formal Delphi process and long-term endoscopic-fusion evidence remains limited.