Lumbar Discectomy

Interlaminar Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
Interlaminar Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
The endoscopic approach to interlaminar discectomies provides minimally invasive access to posterior herniations in the lower lumbar spine that may be difficult to reach through a transforaminal approach. Additionally, interlaminar discectomy results in less tissue and muscle disruption, faster recovery times, and a quicker return to activity compared to traditional open procedures.1-4 WishBone™ endoscopic instruments feature superior feel and improved ergonomics that facilitate inverted and retrograde usage with either hand.
References
1. Matsumoto M, Hasegawa T, Ito M, et al. Incidence of complications associated with spinal endoscopic surgery: nationwide survey in 2007 by the Committee on Spinal Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification of Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Orthop Sci. 2010;15(1):92-96. doi:10.1007/s00776-009-1428-6​
2. Ahn Y, Oh HK, Kim H, Lee SH, Lee HN. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy: an advanced surgical technique and clinical outcomes. Neurosurgery. 2014;75(2):124-133. doi:10.1227/NEU.0000000000000361
3. Polikandriotis JA, Hudak EM, Perry MW. Minimally invasive surgery through endoscopic laminotomy and foraminotomy for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. J Orthop. 2013;10(1):13-16. doi:10.1016/j.jor.2013.01.006
4. Ruetten S, Komp M, Merk H, Godolias G. Use of newly developed instruments and endoscopes: full-endoscopic resection of lumbar disc herniations via the interlaminar and lateral transforaminal approach. J Neurosurg Spine 2007;6(6):521-530. doi:10.3171/spi.2007.6.6.2
Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
A transforaminal, or paraspinal, approach provides the ability to reach far-lateral disc herniations. Using a spine-specific endoscope minimizes soft-tissue disruption, resulting in less postoperative pain.1,2 Additionally, studies showed that approximately 85% patients who underwent endoscopic lumbar discectomy returned to athletic activity in as few as 6 to 8 weeks.3,4
References
1. Sairyo K, Matsuura T, Higashino K, et al. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for athletes. J Spine. 2013;S5(006):1-4. doi:10.4172/2165-7939.S5-006 ​
2. Sivakanthan S, Williams JR, Feroze AH, et al. Endoscopic spine surgery in athletes: case series and review of literature. World Neurosurg. 2021;145:702-707. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2020.08.211
3. Polikandriotis JA, Hudak EM, Perry MW. Minimally invasive surgery through endoscopic laminotomy and foraminotomy for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. J Orthop. 2013;10(1):13-16. doi:10.1016/j.jor.2013.01.006
4. Ruetten S, Komp M, Merk H, Godolias G. Use of newly developed instruments and endoscopes: Full-endoscopic resection of lumbar disc herniations via the interlaminar and lateral transforaminal approach. J Neurosurg Spine. 2007;6(6):521-530. doi:10.3171/spi.2007.6.6.2
Far Lateral Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
Far Lateral Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
The traditional open approach for treating far lateral disc herniations at L5-S1 is challenging. Alternatively, with proper targeting, the transforaminal endoscopic approach lands directly at the far lateral zone and requires little or no facet resection to achieve decompression.
Endoscopic Trans-SAP Approach for Lumbar Discectomy
Endoscopic Trans-SAP Approach for Lumbar Discectomy
The ultra-minimally invasive trans-SAP approach provides a targeted corridor for accessing foraminal and lateral recess pathology, as well as cranial disc extrusions, particularly when facet anatomy or pathology limits a direct trajectory beneath the superior articular process.1,2
2. Lewandrowski KU, Telfeian AE, Hellinger S, et al. Difficulties, challenges, and the learning curve of avoiding complications in lumbar endoscopic spine surgery. Int J Spine Surg. 2021;15(suppl 3):S21-S37. doi:10.14444/8161
How can we help you?
‌‌‌
Connect With Us
‌
‌‌‌‌‌‌‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
Arthrex Logo© 2026 Arthrex, Inc. All rights reserved.v3.59.0
‌