Incidence of complications associated with spinal endoscopic surgery: nationwide survey in 2007 by the Committee on Spinal Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification of Japanese Orthopaedic Association.

Background: This report was conducted to elucidate the current status of spinal endoscopic surgery and relevant incidents through analysis of the results of a questionnaire survey conducted in 2007 by the Committee on Spinal Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA).

Methods: Questionnaire forms were sent to 2011 training facilities nationwide certified by the JOA, and 1082 of these facilities returned the filled questionnaires (response rate 53.8%).