Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy for extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations: extraforaminal targeted fragmentectomy technique using working channel endoscope.

Study Design: A retrospective analysis of 41 patients operated for excision of soft lumbar extraforaminal disc herniation (EFDH) by percutaneous endoscopic extraforaminal approach under local anesthesia by a new technique.

Objectives: To describe a new and safer percutaneous endoscopic technique for the removal of soft EFDH and report the results on the basis of a new objective criterion modified from Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Summary Of Background Data: EFDHs usually occur in older patients and present with atypical symptoms.

Modified transcorporeal anterior cervical microforaminotomy for cervical radiculopathy: a technical note and early results.

A prospective analysis of the first twenty patients operated for cervical radiculopathy by a new modification of transcorporeal anterior cervical foraminotomy technique. To evaluate early results of a functional disc surgery in which decompression for the cervical radiculopathy is done by drilling a hole in the upper vertebral body and most of the disc tissue is preserved. Earlier approaches to cervical disc surgery either advocated simple discectomy or discectomy with fusion, ultimately leading to loss of motion segment.

Percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy for intracanalicular disc herniations at L5-S1 using a rigid working channel endoscope.

Objective: Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy is often used as a minimally invasive procedure for lumbar disc herniation. However, a transforaminal approach posts limitations at the L5-S1 level owing to anatomic constraints, such as a high iliac crest or small intervertebral foramen and especially for migrated large intracanalicular disc herniations. We discuss the procedure and clinical results of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy using a rigid working channel endoscope at the L5-S1 level and the relevant surgical anatomy.

The effect of early isolated lumbar extension exercise program for patients with herniated disc undergoing lumbar discectomy.

Objective: To determine the effects of a postoperative early isolated lumbar extension muscle-strengthening program on pain, disability, return to work, and power of back muscle after operation for herniated lumbar disc.

Methods: Seventy-five patients were randomized into an exercise group (20 men, 15 women) and a control group (18 men, 22 women) to perform a prospective controlled trial of a lumbar extension exercise program in patients who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy or percutaneous endoscopic discectomy. Six weeks after surgery, patients in the exercise group undertook a 12-week lumbar extension exercise program.