Minimally invasive approach for the treatment of lateral lumbar disc herniations. Technique and results

• Published in: Minimally invasive neurosurgery Vol. 50; no. 3; p. 160
• Main Authors: Kogias, E, Vougioukas, V I, Hubbe, U, Halatsch, M-E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01-06-2007
• Subjects: Diskectomy - methods; Humans; Intervertebral Disc Displacement - physiopathology; Intervertebral Disc Displacement - surgery; Leg; Lumbar Vertebrae - surgery; Middle Aged; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - methods; Pain - physiopathology; Pain Measurement; Postoperative Period; Reoperation; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0946-7211
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-985143

This paper aims to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of a minimal invasive approach by using a muscle dilator system for the treatment of lateral lumbar disc herniations.
A retrospective analysis of 38 cases with lateral lumbar disc herniations that were treated the METRx-System was performed. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the visual analogue scale (VAS) for leg pain. Follow up ranged from 6 to 24 months.
No intraoperative complications were observed. Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were minimized. In 37 cases VAS scores were significantly lower after the procedure. A single patient had to be reoperated due to insufficient removal of the herniated disc material.
The reported minimal invasive technique is a safe and efficient alternative to conventional methods for the treatment of lateral lumbar disc herniations.