New-onset sciatica after automated percutaneous discectomy.

This is a case report of a 24-year-old patient who underwent percutaneous discectomy at L5-S1 for relief of lower back pain. Postoperatively, new-onset acute right lumbar radicular syndrome developed and the postoperative MRI scan confirmed a far lateral extraforaminal disc herniation at L5-S1 with compression of the right nerve. This corresponded to the nucleotomy site of the probe. This case report emphasizes that all physicians who treat herniated nucleus pulposus should be well versed in all aspects of treatment including complications.