Objective To explore the characteristics and advantages of the rat model of lumbar nerve root compression established via modified hemilaminectomy approach. Methods Forty Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups (experimental group and control group) for establishing a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression. Modified hemilaminectomy apprpoach was used in the experimental group, while total laminectomy was applied in the control group. Duration of operation, estimated blood loss, wound healing status, postoperative mortality, motor function of the lower extremities, pathological changes and the gray level of cytoplasmic TNF-α and IL-1 expression were observed to evaluate the characteristics and reliability of the two operation approaches in establishing a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression. Results Compared with the control group, duration of operation, estimated blood loss, wound healing status, postoperative mortality were significantly better in the experimental group (P<0.01), whereas there was non-significant difference between two groups with regard to motor function of the lower extremities, pathological changes and gray level of the cytoplasmic expression of TNF-α and IL-1 between the two groups. Moreover, the soft tissue structural alterations were reduced in the experimental group, which might be helpful for the rat postoperative rehabilitation. Conclusions Modified hemilaminectomy approach is a reliable alternative method for establishing a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression, which is beneficial to shorten the operative time, improve wound healing status, reduce estimated blood loss and damages of soft tissue, and decrease mortality rate. Moreover, this modified method is more consistent with the principles of animal ethics.