Minimally Invasive Techniques for the Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation

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Posterolateral lumbar discectomy is a visualized method for minimal access to the disc and epidural space that avoids surgical morbidity to the dorsal muscle column. This endoscopic approach also allows for the visualization of foraminal and intradiscal pathology that is not appreciated by the traditional approach. The correlation of these findings with pain generation may open the door to a better understanding of the degenerative process causing lumbar disc herniations; our concept of surgical intervention that encourages patient selection for earlier intervention may evolve as well.