Minimally invasive approach to extraforaminal disc herniations at the lumbosacral junction using an operating microscope: case series and review of the literature

Neurosurg Focus. 2008;25(2):E10. doi: 10.3171/FOC/2008/25/8/E10.

Abstract

Surgical access to extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations is complicated due to the unique anatomical constraints of the region. Minimizing complications during microdiscectomies at the level of L5-S1 in particular remains a challenge. The authors report on a small series of patients and provide a video presentation of a minimally invasive approach to L5-S1 extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations utilizing a tubular retractor with microscopic visualization.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / pathology
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / surgery*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Male
  • Microsurgery / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Sacrum / pathology
  • Sacrum / surgery*