How i do it: full-endoscopic transsacral approach for the treatment of extraforaminal L5/S1 disc herniation.

BACKGROUND

For L5/S1 extraforaminal disc herniation, how to efficiently expose the herniated nucleus pulposus and reduce facet joint damage remain to be explored.

METHODS

Lumbar discectomy was performed using a full-endoscopic transsacral approach, in which sacral ala and extraforaminal ligament were partially resected to expose the L5/S1 intervertebral disc. Methylene blue was used for disc staining, and the herniated nucleus pulposus was excised through the annular tear. The nerve root decompression was ensured by detecting from extraforaminal region to S1 vertebral outer edge.

CONCLUSION

The full-endoscopic transsacral approach for the therapy of L5/S1 extraforaminal disc herniation is safe and effective.