Clinical study of lateral lumber disc herniation (intra- and extra-foraminal LDH)

We report on 10 cases with lateral lumber disc herniation who were surgically treated. Of these, 9 were male and 1 female ranging in age from 19-73 years (mean; 48.7 years). The level of herniation was L3/4 in 2, L4/5 in 5, L5/S1 in 3 cases. All patients complained of severe pain in lower extremities. Axial, sagittal, coronal views of MRI and selective root block were useful for accurate diagnosis of lateral herniation. Facetectomy with posterolateral fusion in 7 cases, osteoplastic hemilaminectomy in 2 cases, and lateral fenestration in 1 case were performed. Excellent and good results were achieved in all cases. (author)