Fig. 1.

A : Superolateral extension of conventional laminotomy can help in securing the shoulder portion of the traversing nerve root. The added exposure allows for better visualization of the disc space or herniated disc material and usually results in safe discectomy (red fan-shape : superolateral extension of conventional laminotomy, red square : conventional laminotomy, yellow line : traversing nerve root). B : Superolateral extension of conventional laminotomy of postoperative finding (red circle : postoperative finding).