Percutaneous laser disc decompression for the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion

Objective To analyze the effect of percutaneous laser disc decompression for the treatment of intervertebral disc protrusion.Methods Percutaneous laser disc decompression(PLDD) was performed in 40 cases with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion,including 32 cases of L4～5,8 cases of L5～S1 and L4～5 disk with ND:YAG laser.Under guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy,a needle was punctured into the lumbar disc.The laser fiber was introduced into the disc center through needle tube,and then the laser was vaporized.During the process,the gas was aspirated from the disc continually.And the energy CT wasⅠ up to 500 joules and CT wasⅡ up to 700 joules.Results The pressure of the intervertebral disc was reduced,and the compression of nerve root and annulus fibrosis the protrusion was relieved.The results was excellent in 26 cases,good in 6,fair in 6 and poor in 2,and the excellent and good rate was 80%.Conclusions Percutaneous laser disc decompression(PLDD) is a safe,effective,simple method for the treatment of intervertebral disc protrusion.And the trauma is minimal.