[Foraminal and extraforaminal lumbar disk herniations].

Between 1985 and 1989, a total of 40 intraforaminal and extraforaminal disc herniations were treated, either conservatively or surgically. Lasègue was observed in 28%, pain on femoralis extension in 22% and paralysis in 57%. The computer discogram was the most sensitive imaging method, with a sensitivity of 97%. The corresponding values for computerized tomography and NMI were 82% and 85%, respectively. Nine patients were treated by chemonucleolysis, 19 underwent surgery as a primary procedure and three following failure of chemonucleolysis. One patient underwent surgery a second time, the first operation having failed. The authors report on the indications for various surgical procedures.