Removal of a lateral disc herniation with malleable endoscopic forceps: technical note.
OBJECTIVE
The use of "seeing" endoscopic malleable pituitary forceps in the removal of a lateral herniated lumbar disc is evaluated.


METHODS
A malleable pituitary forceps with an attached endoscope was used to explore the neuroforamina and remove laterally herniated disc fragments without a lateral approach or disruption of the facet joint.


RESULTS
In the described case, endoscopic forceps provided easy localization and removal of the disc fragments.


CONCLUSIONS
Because this instrument was used successfully in this case, further evaluation of the use of the endoscopic pituitary forceps should be made.
Frank
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Division of Neurosurgery, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, USA.
D017586:Diskectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019723:Endoscopes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged