Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy versus Conventional Open Lumbar Discectomy for Upper Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Comparative Cohort Study

Figure 1

Images from a typical case of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy in a 73-year-old male with upper lumbar disc herniation at L2–3. (a, b) Preoperative sagittal and axial T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows lumbar disc herniation at L2–3. (c, d) Anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopic views depict the working cannula positioned at the foraminal area at L2–3. (e, f) Removal of the herniated fragment and intraoperative view of the nerve root after decompression. (g, h) At 6-month follow-up, postoperative sagittal and axial T2-weighted MRI illustrates complete excision of the prolapsed disc, without recurrence, or residual disc at L2–3.

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