Automated percutaneous lumbar diskectomy.

The use of automated percutaneous lumbar diskectomy for the treatment of herniated lumbar disks is increasing. More than 3000 physicians have been trained to perform the procedure, and over 40,000 cases have been completed worldwide. This review describes the development of automated percutaneous lumbar diskectomy, the selection of appropriate patients, how the technique is performed, and its efficacy relative to other methods of treatment.