Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy by transiliac approach: a case report

Abstract

Study design: Case report.

Objective: The authors report a new percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) technique for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with a high iliac crest via a transiliac approach.

Summary of background data: When the iliac crest is high, the L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc spaces are located deep in the pelvis, so they are not easily accessible via a suprailiac route.

Methods: A 51-year-old man manifested left gluteal and leg pain due to an up-migrated soft disc herniation at the L4-L5 level. Transforaminal PELD via a transiliac approach was performed to remove the herniated fragment, achieving complete decompression of the nerve root.

Results: The symptom was relieved and the patient was discharged the next day.

Conclusion: When a conventional transforaminal PELD is impossible due to the presence of a high iliac crest, PELD via a transiliac route could be a alternative option in selected cases.