ARTHROSCOPIC DISKECTOMY OF THE LUMBAR SPINE

Although open laminotomy remains an acceptable and, at times, necessar y method of treatment for herniated intervertebral discs, spinal steno sis, and various intracanal spinal disorders, arthroscopic disc surger y is emerging as an alternative method of treatment for contained and nonmigrated sequestered herniated discs, Successful performance of art hroscopic disc surgery requires technical skill and a learning curve, Prudent patient selection, adherence to inclusion and exclusion criter ia, and avoidance of entry into the spinal canal when possible will re duce the incidence of perineural and intraneural fibrosis and will ens ure a satisfactory outcome, Although the incidence of complications ha s been acceptable, a satisfactory outcome ranging from 75% to 87% has been reported after arthroscopic microdiscectomy, In contrast to nucle ar debulking procedures, the objective imaging confirmation of decompr ession of the nerve root may be shown by immediate postoperative compu ted tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies.