title: An oblique paraspinal approach for intracanalicular disc herniations of the upper lumbar spine: technical case report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present our experience of treating the central or paramedian disc herniations of the upper lumbar levels through a paraspinal approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present four patients with intracanalicular disc herniations at the L1-L2 or L2-L3 level. All patients had unilateral or bilateral radicular leg pain and motor weakness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Considering the unique characteristics of the upper lumbar spine, we performed the oblique paraspinal approach to expose the central portion of disc and removed the herniated disc effectively. Postoperatively, their symptoms were improved. There was no instability during the follow-up period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The oblique paraspinal approach for the treatment of central disc herniations at the upper lumbar levels is an effective nonfusion technique that preserves most of the facet joint and provides a wide surgical field.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Ki-Hyoung
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: Sang-Ho
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Byoung Joon
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.forename: Song-Woo
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bhanot
authors.forename: Dong-Yun
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Ho Yeon
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome