Figure 3.

Surgical technique. (A) Skin entry point planning on axial computed tomography scan by drawing an imaginary line from posterior annulus at the midpedicular level to lateral margin of facet joint; (B) placement of needle tip at the midpedicular level; (C,D) enlargement of foramen by serial dilation and sequential reaming of ventral and lateral aspect of superior facet over guidewire; (E) placement of beveled 7.5-mm working cannula on the posterior disc space through annular window at the midpedicular level—AP view; (F) placement of beveled 7.5-mm working cannula on the posterior disc space through annular window at the midpedicular level—lateral view; (G,H) removal of herniated disc fragment using microforceps. AP, anteroposterior.