OBJECTIVETo discuss effective operative method for posterior edge separation of lumbar vertebral body.

METHODSTwelve cases of posterior edge separation of lumbar vertebral body were categorized as lateral type and central type, and were operated upon with limited-incision using lamina retractor. All patients were male and with an average age of 30 years (range, 23 to 40 years). The average history of disease was 17.9 months. In lateral type cases, separation bone was in the posterolateral lower edge of L4 vertebral body in 1 case, in the posterolateral upper edge of L5 vertebral body in 3 cases and in the posterolateral upper border of S1 vertebral body in 6 cases, all with ipsilateral disc herniation. Lateral type cases were treated with unilateral fenestration and removal of disc nucleus and posterior bony edge. Separation bone was in the central upper edge of S1 vertebral body with central disc herniation in 2 central type cases. Two central type cases were treated with bilateral fenestration and removal of disc nucleus and posterior bony edge.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months, and the average follow-up was 22.5 months. According to Macnab postoperative evaluation criterion, the results were excellent in 10 cases, good in 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONLimited-incision for posterior edge separation of lumbar vertebral body has characteristic of less trauma and convenience. It is an effective method for removal posterior bony edge.