It’s an honour and privilege to be appointed guest editors of this special issue focused on disc herniation (Figs.1 and 2). The topic is in line with our field of interest that has blossomed for each of us at the early time of orthopaedic residency. It is with great pride that one of the authors/editors (TB) presented his research work on disc herniation before being admitted to the French Academy of Surgery in 2011. He is now involved in several international spine societies. The other guest editor (AB) had chosen the same topic for his medical thesis and is now practicing exclusively spinal surgery.