Technical note: microdiscectomy and translaminar approach

Lumbar disk herniation (LDH) is a degenerative pathology. Although LDH generally occurs without migration of the fragment to the levels above or below, in 10% of the cases, this circumstance might happen. In these cases, the standard interlaminar approach, described by Caspar cannot be performed without laminotomies, interlaminectomies, or partial or total facetectomies. The translaminar approach is the only “tissue-sparing” technique viable in cases of cranially migrated LDH encroaching on the exiting nerve root in the preforaminal zones, for the levels above L2-L3, and in the preforaminal and foraminal zones, for the levels below L3-L4 (L5-S1 included, if a total microdiscectomy is unnecessary). This approach is more effective than the standard one, because it resolves the symptoms; it is associated with less postoperative pain and faster recovery times without the risk of iatrogenic instability, and it can also be used in cases with previous signs of radiographic instability. The possibility to spare the flavum ligament is one of the main advantages of this technique. For these reasons, the translaminar approach is a valid technique in terms of safety and efficacy. In this article the surgical technique will be extensively analyzed and the tips and tricks will be highlighted.