The lateral microsurgical approach to the ?extracanalicular? lumbar disc herniation

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Abstract
The main aim in the surgery of the canalicular and extra-canalicular lumbar disc herniation is to remove safely the hidden fragment without complete destruction of the normal facet joint, without damage to the nerve root and with minimal compromise of the stability of the spinal column. This report describes a lateral approach for operations of extracanalicular lumbar disc herniations in which full visual control allows a decompression of the respective spinal nerve or ganglion and removal of the herniated disc. With this approach, there is minimal resection of bone and facet joint and minimal risk of injury to neural structures. If necessary, this approach can easily be combined with the classical interlaminar exposure.