Lumbar microdiskectomy with preserving of the ligamentum flavum: Technical note

Abstract

Preservation of the ligamentum flavum together with other epidural anatomic structures, such as epidural fat tissue and venous plexuses, and limited removal of the lamina are important components in preventing epidural fibrosis that may be the cause of failed back surgery syndrome. On the other hand, ligamentum flavum is the anatomic plane between the epidural and laminar/extralaminar spaces, which should be meticulously preserved for a possible reoperation. For this reason, we present our technique, which preserves the ligamentum flavum and is in this respect, a modified microsurgical diskectomy.