Minimally invasive spinal surgery under arthroscopic or endoscopic magnification and illumination is emerging as an alternative, reliable method of treatment in a variety of spinal disorders. The operative techniques being used for discectomy and retrieval of herniated disc fragments or stabilization of unstable spinal motion segments are being utilized for visual diagnosis and debridement of infectious discitis and osteomyelitis transpedicular and transforaminal vertebral body biopsy, temporary diagnostic fixation of unstable lumbar motion segments, and transforaminal epidural steroid therapy.