Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation

Patients suffering from extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation were found to be significantly older. Furthermore, there is a higher tendency toward male patients and cranial migration of the herniation. The described and modified inside-out technique, along with a 15° optic, allows for clear identification of the exiting nerve root and safe removal of the displaced disc herniation far outside of the spinal canal and foramen. No complications occurred in this small series, and the development of neuropathic pain appears to be relatively common.