Objective To explore the clinical effect of the elderly far lateral lumbar disc herniation via Quadrant channel system under the Wiltse approach. Methods Thirty-three elderly patients suffering from far lateral lumbar disc herniation were treated by surgery, among whom 18 patients were treated by Quadrant minimally invasive channel system (Quadrant group), and 13 patients were treated by percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED group). The patients were followed up for 12 months, and the operation time, blood loss and length of incision were investigated. The JOA scores were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. Results The patients in two groups were followed up for 24 months, except 1 patient withdrew in Quadrant group. The incision length and blood loss in PTED group were superior to those in the Quadrant group:2.0-2.5 cm vs. 0.7 cm, (46.50± 15.20) ml vs.(23.87±6.58) ml, P<0.01, but the operation time in PTED group was longer than that in Quadrant group: (77.17 ± 8.71) min vs. (63.20 ±10.87) min, P<0.01.The two groups had achieved good curative effect, while JOA score in PTED group was superior to the Quadrant group 1 week after operation ( P<0.05), but in 3 month and 12 month two groups had no significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusion Surgical treatment on elderly far lateral lumbar disc herniation via quadrant channel under wiltse approach is an effective method, and can achieve similar effect with PTED.