Progress in Far Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is one of the main causes of low back pain, and far lateral lumbar disc herniation is a specific type of LDH. Owing to the limitation of the bony structure and surrounding ligaments in the foraminal area, the closer the protrusion inside and outside the foramen is to the exiting nerve root ganglia, the more severe the compression. Therefore, the clinical symptoms of this type of LDH are more pronounced, and timely diagnosis and treatment are required. Some patients can experience pain relief through conservative treatment, whereas others require surgical intervention. Spine surgeons can choose different surgical options according to the patient's condition and their own surgical habits, such as traditional surgery, microendoscopic discectomy, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, and unilateral biportal endoscopy. There are different characteristics between traditional surgery and minimally invasive surgery, and there are also different characteristics between different minimally invasive surgeries. This article reviews the anatomical structure, clinical manifestations, and various treatment approaches.