Smooth dissection of ligamentum flavum for lumbar microdiscectomy. Preliminary report of this personal technique

Surg Neurol. 2005 Sep;64(3):232-5; discussion 235-6. doi: 10.1016/j.surneu.2004.11.012.

Abstract

A newly designed technique for preservation of the ligamentum flavum (LF) during the lumbar discectomy is presented. This technique allows the evacuation of the lumbar herniated disk, without removal or laminar disinsertion of the LF. This ligament is smoothly dissected longitudinally in its more lateral portion, obtaining, after discectomy, the contact of the 2 margins with restoration of its functional integrity. Forty-five patients were operated on with this technique. We feel that this technique could offer advantages in reduction of epidural fibrosis and of decreased risk of dural injury, and is helpful to the surgeon in the case of recurrence of discal herniation.

MeSH terms

  • Diskectomy, Percutaneous / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / diagnostic imaging
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / pathology
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / surgery*
  • Ligamentum Flavum / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligamentum Flavum / pathology
  • Ligamentum Flavum / surgery*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Male
  • Microsurgery / methods*
  • Radiography
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome