Surgical treatment for lumbar disc herniation: Open discectomy (indications, technique, outcomes, and complications)

Lumbar microdiskectomy is one of the most common spine procedures performed. The most common indication is lumbar radiculopathy that is refractory to nonsurgical treatment. Other indications, such as progressive neurological deficit or cauda equina syndrome, are more rare. Open exposure affords excellent visualization of the nerve roots, safe dissection in the lateral recess, safe mobilization of the nerve roots, and ability to remove the offending fragment. The purpose of this article is to review the indications, technique, outcome, and complications of lumbar microdiskectomy.