Herniated disc disease-induced neurological dysfunction has become a significant medical and social issue. Traditional treatment approaches have focused on discectomy and spinal fusion, which inevitably alter the physiological structure and biomechanics of the spine and may lead to adjacent segment degeneration. In the era of precision medicine and minimally invasive surgery, the treatment of herniated discs is shifting toward "structural preservation" and "functional restoration."

Herniated disc regeneration and repair refer to the use of biological and clinical interventions to reverse or repair degenerative changes in disc tissue, aiming to restore its normal physiological structure and biomechanical functions (load-bearing and movement). Natural resorption of herniated discs (e.g., the iRHNP phenomenon) involves no direct intraoperative intervention—such as puncture, compression, ablation, or excision—allowing the disc to naturally shrink and continue fulfilling its physiological role. The achievement of either regeneration and repair or natural resorption of herniated discs represents one of the most promising directions in spine surgery.

The primary goal of this Research Topic is to showcase the latest advancements in minimally invasive spine surgery for preserving herniated discs, with a focus on regenerative medical repair and the natural resorption phenomenon. It aims to compile foundational research findings, innovative clinical techniques, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation strategies to provide a scientific basis for optimizing treatment decisions.

We hope to provide a platform to deliver novel insights into the following topics, but not limited to:

• Mechanistic studies, influencing factors, and clinical prediction models for the natural resorption of herniated discs (e.g., iRHNP).

• Novel biological therapies for disc regeneration, including the application of stem cells, nucleus pulposus cells, bioactive factors, or tissue-engineered scaffolds.

• Clinical outcomes and evaluation of innovative minimally invasive techniques designed to preserve disc structure (e.g., precision navigation, dynamic stabilization systems, disc space elevation techniques).

• Studies on the efficacy of early postoperative rehabilitation protocols, particularly nursing and rehabilitation strategies tailored to the minimal trauma of disc-preserving procedures.

• Detailed documentation of the dynamic morphological changes (resorption or repair) of herniated discs following intervention through case reports and imaging analysis.

• The role of multidisciplinary team (MDT) cooperation in advancing disc-preserving treatment strategies.

We welcome the submission of high-quality Original Research articles and Reviews to this Research Topic.

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Frontiers in Disc-Preserving Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Regeneration and Resorption