Lumbar microdiscectomy: a historical perspective and current technical considerations.

A historical review is presented of the original descriptions of lumbar discectomy, focusing on the evolution toward a less invasive surgical approach following the introduction of the operating microscope. From the initial work in Europe by Yasargil and Caspar to the popularization of microdiscectomy by Williams and Wilson in the United States, this procedure has successfully reduced operative time, surgical morbidity, and incision size while allowing patients to return to work faster. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a careful preoperative clinical and radiographic evaluation by identifying factors that may help in the prediction of a successful surgical outcome.