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. CONCLUSION: The reported minimal invasive technique is a safe and efficient alternative to conventional methods for the treatment of lateral lumbar disc herniations.
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. CONCLUSION: The reported minimal invasive technique is a safe and efficient alternative to conventional methods for the treatment of lateral lumbar disc herniations.
Authors: Hormuzdiyar H Dasenbrock; Stephen P Juraschek; Lonni R Schultz; Timothy F Witham; Daniel M Sciubba; Jean-Paul Wolinsky; Ziya L Gokaslan; Ali Bydon Journal: J Neurosurg Spine Date: 2012-03-09