Percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation and anulus fibrosus repair by lateral approach for lumbar discogenic pain

Objective To investigate clinical effect of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation by lateral approach and anulus fibrosus repair for lumbar discogenic pain.Methods A total of 16 patients suffered from discogenic pain was operated with percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation and anulus fibrosus repair by lateral approach.Low back pain were assessed prior to surgery and reassessed at intervals of 1 week,1 month,6 month and 1 year after surgery using visual analogue scale(VAS) questionnaire.MacNab criteria was also used for assessment of clinical results.Results According to VAS,low back pain of all patients was relieved compared with that before operation with significant statistical difference(P0.05).At the last follow-up,according to MacNab criteria,there were 12 cases with excellent results(75%) and 4 cases with good results(25%).Conclusion Percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation and anulus fibrosus repair by lateral approach is an ideal choice for patients with L3-4 and L4-5 discgenic pain.This technique is minimal invasive with safety and definite clinical effect.