Lumbar discectomy. Results with limited disc excision and selective foraminotomy.

Fifty-four consecutive patients who underwent limited lumbar discectomy, based on specific objective criteria, were reviewed. Sixteen of these patients had a limited foraminotomy performed in addition to the limited discectomy. The postoperative results in these patients were good, and the fair to poor results appear to be related primarily to subjective factors, rather than to persistent objective impairment of neuromuscular function. These data do not support prior concern over an increased incidence of recurrent disc herniation with a limited discectomy. Lumbar discectomy performed with limited disc excision is a safe, effective, and reliable method for treating selected patients with herniated lumbar discs.