Lateral Rupture of Cervical Intervertebral Disks

Abstract

Simple “keyhole” facetectomy by the posterior approach is the treatment of choice for lateral rupture of a cervical intervertebral disk. Results are among the most rewarding in neurosurgery. In the vast majority of cases of operable cervical disks (95 per cent) the lesions are lateral. An anterior approach is warranted only in cases of central disk lesions, which comprise the remaining 5 per cent. The majority of lateral disk lesions are “soft.” Arthritic osteophytic “hard” lesions less commonly require operation.