An oblique paraspinal approach for intracanalicular disc herniations of the upper lumbar spine: technical case report.
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.
Moon
Ki-Hyoung
KH
Department of Neurosurgery, Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Lee
Sang-Ho
SH
Kong
Byoung Joon
BJ
Shin
Song-Woo
SW
Bhanot
Arun
A
Kim
Dong-Yun
DY
Lee
Ho Yeon
HY
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