title: Far-lateral lumbar disc herniation: the microsurgical transmuscular approach.
abstract: Intra- and extraforaminal disc herniations can be treated via a lateral approach. The far-lateral approach is a muscle-splitting approach that allows surgeons to reach the disc herniation without any facet bone removal. The target of the surgical exposure is the isthmus. Good knowledge of the anatomic features of the intervertebral foramen and intertransverse space is mandatory. The transmuscular approach is discussed. We provide illustrations and a video to emphasize some operative aspects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. tessenri@libero.it
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tessitore
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: de Tribolet
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013525:Surgical Instruments