The Extraforaminal Approach for the Management of Far Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniation

Abstract

Background Data: Far lateral lumbar disc herniation accounts for 1-12% of all lumbar disc herniations. Every aspect of management of this unique type of lumbar disc herniation is challenging for spine surgeons, and no consensus has been reached for the best surgical approach and technique to use. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the extraforaminal approach, which is a less invasive approach, for the treatment of far lateral lumbar disc herniation. Study Design: A prospective case series. Patients and Methods: Of 501 lumbar disc prolapse patients treated surgically in our department between September 2013 and August 2015, 15 patients presented with far lateral lumbar disc herniation. These 15 patients (11 males and 4 females, mean age 46.80 ± 8.08 years) were treated surgically using the extraforaminal approach and were prospectively followed for 1 year. The study was approved by the Institution Ethical Committee, and all patients signed an informed consent form. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using VAS and ODI scores and MacNab's criteria. Follow-up MRI was performed at 1 year.

Wiltse Approach versus Conventional Open Approach in Neurologically Intact Patients with Thoracolumbar Fractures: Clinical and Radiological Outcome Study

“…The concept of Wiltse technique is to insert the pedicle screw the pedicle through mini open approach by dissecting between the multifidus muscle and longissimus muscle. 5 it has been used for a lot of pathologies including far disc herniation 3 and thoracolumbar fracture fixation. 15 In this study, we are comparing the clinical, radiological outcomes by using Wiltse technique versus conventional technique in pedicle screws fixation as a management for neurologically intact patients suffering from thoracolumbar fractures.…”