Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Under Local Anesthesia for Small-Sized Lumbar Disc Herniation in…

Cohort studyInternational journal of spine surgery· Jul 2026

Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Under Local Anesthesia for Small-Sized Lumbar Disc Herniation in Elite Athletes.

Takayuki Kitahara, Junzo Fujitani, Saori Soeda … Koichi Sairyo

SpineCohort studyTreatmentQ1IF 1.9

After transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy, elite athletes returned to competition in a median 2 months.

Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Under Local Anesthesia for Small-Sized Lumbar Disc Herniation in Elite Athletes.

Takayuki Kitahara … Koichi Sairyo

International journal of spine surgery · Jul 2026 · Q1 in Surgery

Background

Symptomatic small-sized lumbar disc herniation (small LDH) presents a significant challenge in elite athletes, where rapid return to competition is paramount.

Purpose

This study aimed to characterize the clinical and imaging features of small LDH in this population and to evaluate the efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy) under local anesthesia.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 11 elite athletes (12 discs) who underwent transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy for small LDH, defined as a herniation not exceeding 25% of the spinal canal's anteroposterior diameter on magnetic resonance imaging.

n = 11 elite athletes (12 discs)

2.0

Results

2.0

months

Half of athletes were back to full competition within two months of this endoscopic surgery.

n = 11 elite athletes (12 discs)

More results

All athletes presented with function-limiting radiculopathy despite radiographically small herniations (mean anteroposterior diameter, 3.3 ± 1.0 mm; mean canal occupancy ratio, 16.7% ± 6.6%).

No recurrences requiring reoperation occurred.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Symptomatic small LDH with associated T2 hyperintensity in the posterior longitudinal ligament is a distinct clinical entity in elite athletes.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy under local anesthesia is a safe and effective intervention that facilitates a rapid and reliable return to sport with favorable mid-term outcomes.

Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Under Local Anesthesia for Small-Sized Lumbar Disc Herniation in Elite Athletes.

Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Under Local Anesthesia for Small-Sized Lumbar Disc Herniation in Elite Athletes.

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