Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Aug 2007
ReviewPercutaneous laser disc decompression for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation: a review.
Discontinuation of the marketing of chymodactin has reawakened interest in other percutaneous techniques for treating lumbar disc herniation. Developed in the 1980s, the concept of laser disc decompression is based on the percutaneous introduction of an optical fiber into the intervertebral disc and administering laser energy. The procedure allows for the vaporization of a small amount of the nucleus pulposus and hence a reduction in the intradisc pressure and relief of radicular pain. ⋯ Although the concept of laser disc nucleotomy is appealing, this treatment cannot be considered validated for disc herniation-associated radiculopathy resistant to medical treatment.