The Translaminar Approach in Combination with a Tubular Retractor System for the Treatment of Far Cranio-Laterally and Foraminally Extruded Lumbar Disc Herniations

Abstract

The translaminar approach in conjunction with a tubular retractor system seems to be an effective and safe alternative technique for treating the small entity of far cranio- laterally or foraminally extruded lumbar disc herniations. It combines the advantages of a blunt muscle-spreading approach that produces little damage to the soft tissues, and the avoidance of large bone removal that may jeopardize vertebral stability. Since this approach does not permit sufficient exploration of the intervertebral disc space of origin, it should be limited to patients without significant bulging of the disc itself.