title: Minimally invasive approach for the treatment of lateral lumbar disc herniations. Technique and results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The reported minimal invasive technique is a safe and efficient alternative to conventional methods for the treatment of lateral lumbar disc herniations.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Kogias
authors: V I
authors: VI
authors: Vougioukas
authors: U
authors: U
authors: Hubbe
authors: M-E
authors: ME
authors: Halatsch
mesh_terms: D017586:Diskectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007866:Leg; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome