Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniation Research Articles

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FACET JOINT TROPISM AND LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION

ABSTRACT Background/Aims: Facet joint tropism is thought to be associated with lumbar disc herniation (LDH), but this relationship has not been fully established. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between facet joint tropism and LDH in patients (25-30 years old and body-mass index 28-30 kg/m²) using computed tomography (CT) and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Facet joint angles were measured on lumbar MRI and CT images of 24 male patients with left-sided LDH; 16 patients with right-sided LDH. Facet joint angle was measured by calculating the angle of the facet joints with the vertebral sagittal line in axial sections parallel to the end plate plane. Patients with trauma, rheumatic and oncologic diseases, additional lumbar or spinal and systemic diseases, patients with far lateral, foraminal and central lumbar disc herniations were excluded. Results: The mean left facet joint angle was 44,56º+/-11,29° and the mean right facet joint angle was 41,2º+/-11,27° in 24 patients with left-sided LDH. In 16 patients with right-sided LDH, the mean right facet joint angle was 45,87º +/-16,41°and the mean left facet joint angle was 42,74º+/-12,54°. Conclusions: In the statistical evaluation, no significant correlation was found between LDH and facet joint angle, but in the numerical analysis, it was observed that the left facet joint angle was larger in patients with left-sided LDH and the right facet joint angle was larger in patients with right-sided LDH.

Extraforaminal Microdiscectomy for Upper Lumbar Disc Herniations: A Minimally Invasive Alternative Surgical Approach

BackgroundVarious methods and techniques have been developed for extraforaminal decompression, particularly for far lateral lumbar disc herniation. Distinct anatomical differences are noticeable in the upper levels of the lumbar spine, which may complicate the related surgical approach. This study aimed to determine the safety and efficiency of the far lateral extraforaminal approach for the upper lumbar disc. MethodsL1–2 and L2–3 migrated lumbar disc herniations were defined as upper lumbar disc herniations. Thirty-one consecutive patients with upper lumbar disk herniation who underwent extraforaminal lumbar microdiscectomy between January 2018 and March 2022 were retrospectively investigated. The patients were assessed using the interval history, follow-up lower back and leg pain visual analog scale scores (0–100 mm), the Oswestry Disability Index (%), and modified MacNab criteria. ResultsThirty-one consecutive patients with upper lumbar disk herniation (20 men and 11 women) with a mean age of 52.8±10.8 years (range 31–70 years) underwent extraforaminal lumbar microdiscectomy. The preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale scores and ODI were significantly different (P < 0.001). According to the modified MacNab criteria, 23 patients showed excellent improvement, 5 showed good improvement, and 3 showed fair improvement; thus, the rate of satisfactory improvement was 90.3% at the 2-year follow-up. No patients required reoperation at the operative level during follow-up. ConclusionsExtraforaminal lumbar microdiscectomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgical technique for treating upper lumbar disc herniation.

Reply to "Letter to the Editor Concerning 'Clinical Outcomes of Condoliase Injection Therapy for Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniation' by Kagami et al."

Reply to "Letter to the Editor Concerning 'Clinical Outcomes of Condoliase Injection Therapy for Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniation' by Kagami et al."

Letter to the Editor Concerning "Clinical Outcomes of Condoliase Injection Therapy for Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniation" by Kagami et al.

Letter to the Editor Concerning "Clinical Outcomes of Condoliase Injection Therapy for Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniation" by Kagami et al.

Surgical Outcomes and Recurrence Rates in Far Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniations: A Retrospective Analysis of 91 Cases

Far lateral lomber disk herniasyonları klinik, radyolojik ve cerrahi teknik açıdan kanal içi lomber disk herniasyonlarından farklıdır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, trans pars mikrocerrahi tekniği kullanılarak ameliyat edilen uzak lateral disk hernilerinin cerrahi ve nüks sonuçlarını sunmak ve nüks için risk faktörlerini belirlemektir.&#x0D; 2017-2022 yılları arası Atlas Üniversitesi Medicine Hastanesinde farlateral lomber disk herniasyonu tanısı ve transpars mikrodiskektomi cerrahisi ile tedavisi yapılan vakalar retroskopik olarak değerlendirildi. Bütün hastaların yaş cinsiyet ağrı özellikleri,nörolojik durumu ve radyolojik özellikleri ameliyat süreleri, ameliyat öncesi ve sonrası Vizuel Analog skala (VAS) skorları, ve Oswestry Engellilik İndeksi(ODİ) skorları ,ameliyat sonrası geç dönem MacNab memnuniyet oranları kaydedildi.&#x0D; Araştırma 58,2’si (n=53) erkek, %41,8’i (n=34) kadın olmak üzere toplam 91 olguyla yapılmıştır. Olguların yaşları 39 ile 86 arasında değişmekte olup; ortalaması 57,42±10,47’dir. Vakalarda %76,92 mükemmel (70 hasta), %16,48 iyi (15 hasta), %6,5 orta (6 hasta) sonuç elde edildi. Olguların %5,5’inde (n=5) nüks olduğu görülmüştür. Rekürren olguların cinsiyetleri, yaşları, tarafları, operasyon süreleri ve seviyeleri, istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık göstermemektedir (p&gt;0,05). Rekürren olguların preop ve postop VAS skorları, rekürren olmayan olgulardan istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık göstermemektedir (p&gt;0,05).Rekürren olguların preop ve postop ODİ skorları, rekürren olmayan olgulardan istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık göstermemektedir (p&gt;0,05).&#x0D; Far lateral lomber disk herniasyonlarının cerrahi tedavisinde uyguladığımız Mikrocerrahi ile transpars girişim güvenli ve etkin bir seçenektir. Rekürrens için yaş cinsiyet ,seviye,taraf,vas ve odi skorlarını risk faktörü olarak saptamadık.

Transforaminal Epidural Injection for Far Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniations: An Alternative to Surgery or Just a Delay?

Far lateral lumbar disc herniations (FLLDH) are known for causing severe and persistent radicular pain due to direct nerve root and dorsal root ganglion compression. This study evaluates the effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFSI) in patients with FLLDH, assessing its role as a potential alternative to surgery. The study retrospectively analyzed 42 patients with radicular pain caused by FLDH, confirmed via lumbar magnetic resonance imaging, who had not benefited from conservative treatment. All patients underwent TFSI, and their pre-treatment Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were compared with scores at one, two, and three months post-procedure. The study group comprised 19 males (45.23%) and 23 females (54.77%), with a mean age of 51.9 ± 11.63 years (range 29-76 years). The most common herniation levels were L4-L5 (22 patients), followed by L5-S1 (15 patients) and L3-L4 (five patients). The mean VAS score decreased significantly from 8.58 ± 0.63 to 2.89 ± 1.87 over three months (p = 0.001). Similarly, the mean ODI score significantly reduced from 61.29 ± 6.72 to 16.88 ± 11.25 (p = 0.001). However, eight of the 42 patients (19.04%) underwent surgery within three months due to lack of benefit from TFSI. Our study sheds light on the significant potential of TFSI as a treatment option for FLLDH. The marked improvement in pain and functional capacity, as evidenced by the substantial decrease in VAS and ODI scores, suggests that TFSI can be an effective non-surgical intervention for a majority of patients suffering from FLLDH. However, a notable proportion of patients may still require surgery, indicating that TFSI might not be a definitive alternative but can be an effective interim treatment in managing FLLDH.

Full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy via lateral superior articular process approach for treating far lateral lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective study and technical note.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) via lateral superior articular process (LSAP) approach and full-endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (FETD) for treating far lateral lumbar disk herniation (FFLDH). From January 2020 to June 2022, patients who were diagnosed as FLLDH underwent the FELD via LSAP approach or FETD. The operation time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stays, and complications were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) for back pain, VAS for leg pain, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores was measured during preoperative and postoperative follow-up. Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this study, of which 12 patients were treated with the FELD via LSAP approach (LSAP-FELD group) and 20 patients underwent FETD (FETD group). The LSAP-FELD group exhibited significantly shorter operation times and hospital stays compared to the FETD group, while no statistically significant differences were observed in intraoperative blood loss and complication rates. There were no significant differences in the VAS for back pain, the VAS for leg pain, and the ODI score between the two groups preoperatively and three days, three months, and the last follow-up postoperatively. Both the FELD via LSAP approach and FETD have demonstrated favourable clinical efficacy in the treatment of FLLDH. Notably, the FELD via LSAP approach shows the advantages of shorter operation time and hospital stays.

A Retrospective Study of Far Lateral Midline Microlumbar Discectomy in 20 Patients at a Single Center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND Microdiscectomy is a minimally-invasive surgical technique for treating far lateral lumbar disc herniation (FLLDH). This retrospective study from a single center in Turkey aimed to evaluate midlinelumbar discectomy in 20 patients with far lateral lumbar disc herniation. MATERIAL AND METHODS We collected clinical data of 20 patients (11 men, 9 women) operated for FLDDH between January 2006 and January 2022. Patients' age, sex, surgical level, examination findings, motor deficit, duration of operation, complications during the operation and preoperative/postoperative 6 month visual analogue Scala (VAS), preoperative/postoperative 6th month Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were evaluated. RESULTS The patients were 11 men (55%) and 9 women (45%), with a mean age of 52.08±11.21 years. The mean duration of symptoms before the operation was 3.4 weeks. Laseque sign positivity was found in 86.4% of the patients. Motor deficit was present in 30% of the patients. After 6-month follow-up, preoperative VAS value decreased from 9.35±0.75 to 0.84±0.75. Preoperative and postoperative VAS score averages were significantly different (P=0.0001). Operation ODI values were 73.63±3.76 before and after surgery, and decreased to 14.81±3.63 at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS The term distal lateral disc herniation was first defined in the literature in 1974 when the disc was seen in a different location than the normal location compared to the facet. Far lateral disc herniation can be operated on successfully with midline skin incision.

Clinical Outcomes of Condoliase Injection Therapy for Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniation.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of condoliase injection therapy (CIT) for lateral lumbar disc herniation (LLDH). This retrospective study included 157 of 180 enrolled patients (70 males, 87 females; mean age: 52.6±16.9 years). These patients were divided into two groups (group L: LLDH, group M: medial LDH [subligamentous and transligamentous]). From baseline to 1 year after injection (final follow-up), leg pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring for CIT's clinical efficacy of CIT. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging conducted before and 3 months after the injection were assessed. Patients with a VAS improvement of ≥50% at the final follow-up were defined as responders. The responder and nonresponder LLDH groups were also compared. Groups L and M showed comparable responder rates (75.0% and 77.4%, respectively) (P=0.80). VAS and JOA scores at 1 year showed no significant differences between the groups (P=0.82 and 0.80, respectively). VAS score at 1 month after injection reduced considerably in the responder group compared with that in the nonresponder group (19.7 vs. 66.0, P<0.01) and continued to decrease at the last follow-up (3.5 vs. 52.0, P<0.001). Nonresponders had significantly lower disc heights after 3 months. However, intervertebral instability, alignment, and disc degeneration did not differ between the responders and nonresponders. The response rate of CIT for LLDH was comparable to that for medial LDH. Therefore, CIT is an effective treatment for LLDH.

Upper lumbar spine far lateral disc herniations masquerading as peripheral nerve sheath tumors: illustrative cases.

Migratory disc herniations can mimic neoplasms clinically and on imaging. Far lateral lumbar disc herniations usually compress the exiting nerve root and can be challenging to distinguish from a nerve sheath tumor due to the proximity of the nerve and characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These lesions can occasionally present in the upper lumbar spine region at the L1-2 and L2-3 levels. The authors describe 2 extraforaminal lesions in the far lateral space at the L1-2 and L2-3 levels, respectively. On MRI, both lesions tracked along the corresponding exiting nerve roots with avid postcontrast rim enhancement and edema in the adjacent muscle tissue. Thus, they were initially concerning for peripheral nerve sheath tumors. One patient underwent fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) screening and demonstrated moderate FDG uptake on PET-CT scan. In both cases, intraoperative and postoperative pathology revealed fibrocartilage disc fragments. Differential diagnosis for lumbar far lateral lesions that are peripherally enhancing on MRI should include migratory disc herniation, regardless of the level of the disc herniations. Accurate preoperative diagnosis can aid in decision making for management, surgical approach, and resection.

Comparable effectiveness of transforaminal endoscopic spine system technique combined with selective nerve root block between far lateral lumbar disc herniation and central or paracentral herniation.

This study aims to compare the clinical effectiveness of transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) technique combined with selective nerve root block (SNRB) in treating patients with far lateral lumbar disc herniation (FLDH) and patients with central or paracentral herniation (C/PDH). Between June 2015 and June 2019, a total of 204 patients (80 males, 124 females; mean age: 62.3±5.4 years; range, 51 to 66 years) with a herniated disc were included. Of these, 22 consecutive adult patients with FLDH formed the FLDH group, while 182 patients with C/PDH formed the C/PDH group. Considering that FLDH was a rare type of LDH and occurred outside the spinal canal, the patients with LDH in the spinal canal (C/PDH) were selected as the controls in our study. All cases received ultrasound-guided SNRB to identify the diseased disc and treated by the TESSYS technique. Data including demographics, duration of operation, duration of hospital stay, surgical cost, complications, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for the back and leg, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores and the modified MacNab criteria were analyzed. The FLDH group presented the similar clinical outcomes and costs with the C/PDH group. No significant differences in the VAS score, ODI score, and Macnab score were observed between the groups (p>0.05 for all). Both groups showed the significantly improved postoperative VAS scores on Day 3, at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months compared to baseline. The postoperative ODI scores at 6 and 12 months were also significantly improved (p<0.05). At the final follow-up at 12 months, the FLDH group showed the MacNab criteria rating excellent and good of 81.8% and C/PDH group showed 84.62%. The FLDH patients presented the comparable clinical effectiveness with C/PDH patients. Based on these findings, the TESSYS technique combined with ultrasound-guided SNRB for FLDH is safe and feasible with caution, although the risk of nerve root injury may be worried.

Surgical Treatment of Far Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniation: Outcomes of the Safe and Simple Midline Approach.

ObjectiveSurgery for far lateral lumbar disc herniation (FLLDH) hernias is different than surgery for median and paramedian disc hernias. Our study offers a minimally invasive surgical technic for far lateral disc herniations.MethodsThe results of the midline surgical approach in 18 patients diagnosed with FLLDH were evaluated retrospectively.ResultsA total of 18 patients (7 females, 11 males), with a mean age of 57.9±9.4 years (range: 35-71 years), were included in the analyses. Three patients (16.7%) had lesions at the left L3-L4 level, six patients (33.3%) on the left L4-L5 level, five patients (27.8%) on the right L3-L4 level, and four patients (22.2%) on the right L4-L5 level. All patients had low back and leg pain. These complaints completely regressed after surgery.ConclusionThis study presents a review of a consecutive series of patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery for FLLDH using a midline approach.

Far Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniation in the Emergency Department

Musculoskeletal disorders are a common reason for emergency department admissions. In addition to providing pain control to these patients, it is crucial to differentiate between musculoskeletal, spinal cord, abdominal, and retroperitoneal diseases. A 37-year-old female with multiple sclerosis complained of pain extending from the left groin and leg to the left knee. The patient had severe non-traumatic pain, posture and gait disturbances. In addition, paresthesia in the left thigh of the lower extremity, difficulty in flexion, and the reverse laseque test were positive. On magnetic resonance imaging, a far lateral lumbar disc herniation was found at the L3-L4 vertebral level. Twelve days after being hospitalized to the neurosurgery clinic, the patient was discharged. A patient who presented to the emergency department with multiple sclerosis and distal lateral lumbar disc herniation was evaluated in light of the relevant literature.

Far lateral lumbar disc herniation part 1: Imaging, neurophysiology and clinical features.

Far lateral lumbar disc herniations (FLLDH) represent a separate category of disc pathology which includes both intraforaminal and extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations, that are characterized by a peculiar clinical presentation, diagnostic and treatment modalities as compared to the more frequent median and paramedian disc hernias. Surgical treatment often represents the only effective weapon for the cure of this disease and over the years different approaches have been developed that can reach the region of the foramen or external to it, with different degrees of invasiveness. The diagnosis is more demanding and still underestimated as it requires a more detailed knowledge in the spine anatomy and dedicated radiological studies. Computerized tomography and in particular magnetic resonance imaging are the appropriate tools for the diagnosis of FLLDH. Despite the widespread use of these diagnostic tests, many cases of FLLDH are overlooked due to insufficiently detailed radiological examinations or due to the execution of exams not focused to the foraminal or the extraforaminal region. Neurophysiological studies represent a valid aid in the diagnostic classification of this pathology and in some cases they can facilitate the differential diagnosis with other types of radiculopathies. In the present study, a comprehensive review of the clinical presentation, epidemiology, radiological study and the neurophysiological aspects is presented.

A rare case of L5-S1 right severe foraminal stenosis and paramedian disc herniation result in foot drop of right lower extremity: A case report

Objective: the authors presented a extremely rare case of severe foraminal stenosis combined with huge lateral lumbar disc herniation &#x0D; Case presentation: The authors presented a 74 – year old, male with type II chronic diabetes, had severe pain of the dermatomal distribution of L5, S1 nerve roots, and foot-drop of the right lower limb. When we evaluated the patient’s MRI, the huge paramedian disc herniation of the right L5-S1 level was seen and the right L5-S1 laminotomy and discetomy were planned for the treatment of the patient. However, the clinical symptoms were not completely correlated with that MRI findings so that, we re-checked the MRI, particularly at the lumbosacral region, and the right severe foraminal stenosis of L5-S1 level was found. The patient underwent surgery with facetectomy, transforaminal interbody fusion, and pedicle screw fixation. After the operation, the patient has quickly reduced radiating pain of the right lower extremity, although the foot-drop was not improved. Because of the huge lateral lumbar disc herniation impression, that could affect the assessing the patient’s injury correctly, leaded consequences of a missing diagnosis of foraminal stenosis and inadequate surgery method.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is essential to detail examination of the clinical manifestations and thorough assessment of MRI for evaluation of the correlation between the physical examination and MRI findings before making the decision of surgical method.

The Clinical Diagnostic Value of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation Based on MRI Images.

MRI was used to measure the changes in the angle of the facet joints of the lumbar spine and analyze the relationship between it and the herniated lumbar intervertebral disc. Analysis of the causes of lumbar disc herniation from the anatomy and morphology of the spine provides a basis for the early diagnosis and prevention of lumbar disc herniation. There is a certain correlation between the changes shown in MRI imaging of lumbar disc herniation and the TCM syndromes of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. There is a correlation between the syndromes of lumbar disc herniation and the direct signs of MRI: pathological type, herniated position, and degree of herniation. Indirect signs with MR, nerve root compression and dural sac compression, are related. The MRI examination results can help syndrome differentiation to improve its accuracy to a certain extent. MRI has high sensitivity for the measurement of the angle of the facet joints of the lumbar spine and can be used to study the correlation between the changes of the facet joint angles and the herniated disc. Facet joint asymmetry is closely related to lateral lumbar disc herniation, which may be one of its pathogenesis factors. The herniated intervertebral disc is mostly on the sagittal side of the facet joint, and the facet joint angle on the side of the herniated disc is more sagittal. The asymmetry of the facet joints is not related to the central lumbar disc herniation, and the angle of the facet joints on both sides of the central lumbar disc herniation is partial sagittal.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection in far lateral lumbar disc herniations.

Far lateral lumbar disc herniations (FLDH) consist approximately 0.7-12% of all lumbar disc herniations. Compared to the more common central and paramedian lumbar disc herniations, they cause more severe and persistent radicular pain due to direct compression of the nerve root and dorsal root ganglion. In patients who do not respond to conservative treatments such as medical treatment and physical therapy, and have not developed neurological deficits, it is difficult to decide on surgical treatment because of the nerve root damage and spinal instability risk due to disruption of facet joint integrity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) on the improvement of both pain control and functional capacity in patients with FLDH. A total of 37 patients who had radicular pain caused by far lateral disc herniation which is visible in their lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, had no neurological deficit and did not respond to conservative treatment, were included the study. TFESI was applied to patients by preganglionic approach. Pre-treatment Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores of the patients were compared with the 3rd week, 3rd month and 6th month scores after the procedure. The mean initial VAS score was 8.63 ± 0.55, while it was 3.84 ± 1.66, 5.09 ± 0.85, 4.56 ± 1.66 at the 3rd week, 3rd month and 6th month controls, respectively. This decrease in the VAS score was found statistically significant (p = 0.001). ODI score with baseline mean value of 52.38 ± 6.84 was found to be 18.56 ± 4.95 at the 3rd week, 37.41 ± 14.1 at the 3rd month and 34.88 ± 14.33 at the 6th month. This downtrend of pa-tient's ODI scores was found statistically significant (p = 0.001). This study has demonstrated that TFESI is an effective method for gaining increased functional capacity and pain control in the treatment of patients who are not suitable for surgical treatment with radicular complaints due to far lateral lumbar disc hernia.

The long-term clinical results of microendscopic discectomy for extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation

The long-term clinical results of microendscopic discectomy for extreme lateral lumbar disc herniation

Transpars approach for L5-S1 foraminal and extra-foraminal lumbar disc herniations: technical note.

The short pars and the narrowed surgical corridor for far lateral L5S1 herniation make the transpars approach challenging. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the transpars microscopic approach for the treatment of L5-S1 foraminal and extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation. From 2015 to 2019, patients with L5-S1 far lateral lumbar disc herniation were prospectively recruited. Drug intake, working days lost, NRS-leg, NRS-back, nerve-root palsy, Oswestry disability-index, Macnab criteria were recorded before surgery and at follow-up. Patients were seen at 1-6-12 months after surgery. Lumbar dynamic X-rays were performed at 6-12 months after surgery and again at 2-4 years after surgery. Key-steps of surgery are described. Fourteen patients were enrolled. NRS-leg and NRS-back scores significantly improved (from 7.93 to 1.43 and from 3.2 to 0.6, respectively; P<0.0001). Oswestry Score significantly decreased (from 63.14 to 19.36 at 12 months; P<0.0001). L5 Root palsy improved in all cases (from 3.72/5 to 5/5; P<0.0001). At 12-months, excellent or good outcome (Macnab criteria) was achieved in 12 (85.7%) and 2 (14.3%) patients, respectively. All patients who were not retired returned to work within 30 days after surgery. No recurrence, instability or re-operations occurred. The trans pars microscopic approach is feasible, safe, and effective for L5-S1 foraminal and extraforaminal disc herniation. During surgery, the key-point is the oblique working angle, directed caudally, parallel to L5 pedicle. The iliac crest does not seem to constitute an obstacle.

Posterolateral Transforaminal Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Foraminal or Extraforaminal Lumbar Disc Herniations

Surgical procedures via the posterior median or paramedian approach for lateral lumbar disc herniation require significant bone resection to reach the herniation. In contrast, posterolateral transforaminal full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) allows direct access to the lateral disc herniation. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of this procedure. A total of 118 patients who underwent posterolateral transforaminal FELD were retrospectively examined. Data on surgical time, perioperative complications, and reoperation rate were reviewed from the medical records. Clinical evaluations were completed in 78 patients using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) and numeric rating scale (NRS) for low back pain, lower limb pain, and lower limb numbness obtained at baseline and during a follow-up of more than 12 months. The mean operative time was 33.9 min. Postoperative transient dysesthesia occurred in 11 of 118 patients (9.3%). No other complications were observed. Reoperation was performed in nine patients (5.9%). All domains of JOABPEQ and NRS significantly improved during the follow-up period. The effectiveness rates of the JOABPEQ for measuring low back pain, lumbar function, walking ability, social life function, and mental health were 70.4%, 46.5%, 62.0%, 59.2%, and 32.4%, respectively. Using the Macnab criteria, excellent or good results were achieved in 52 patients (73%). Successful clinical results were obtained with a few complications and improvements inthe domains of JOABPEQ and NRS. Posterolateral transforaminal FELD for lateral lumbar disc herniations is an effective and safe surgical option with minimal invasiveness and sufficient decompression.