Full-endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy and resection of bony fragment for adolescent posterior ring apophyseal separation

Abstract

Between April 2017 and April 2020, five patients with lumbar disc herniation and posterior ring apophyseal separation were surgically treated using transforaminal full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD). The surgery was performed under general anaesthesia. The herniated disc, including the bony fragment, was resected in all cases. The results were good, and there were no neurological complications. Transforaminal FELD has the advantages of less soft tissue or bony structure damage. Because it is possible to approach the lesion directly using this method, we can safely resect the herniated disc including the bony fragment without excessive nerve retraction. On the other hand, dural tears should be carefully considered because of dural adhesion to bony fragments.