ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss clinical effects and methods of mini-incision posterior laminectomy by fenestration in the treatment of huge lumbar disc herniation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 1999 to 2008,107 patients with huge protruded lumbar intervertebral disc were retrospectively analyzed including 78 males and 29 females with an average age of 38.5 years ranging from 26 to 59 years. The patients were operated with mini-incision posterior laminectomy by fenestration. The affected region of patients were L4.5 (36 cases), L5S1 (71 cases). The herniation rate of nucleus was more than 40%. The patient's scores based on low back pain improved JOA standard were retrospectively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 107 patients were followed-up for from 0.5 to 4 years with an average of 1.75 years. The scores by low back pain improved JOA standard were improved from (1.500 +/- 1.200) before operation to (12.700 +/- 0.950) after operation. The average improvement rate was (82.96 +/- 6.85)%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is a reliable method in the treatment of huge lumbar disc herniation with mini-incision posterior laminectomy by fenestration. The treatment method have advantage with less trauma, good spinal stability, conducive to patient recovery and maintain clinical efficacy.</p>