Zhonghua wai ke za zhi [Chinese journal of surgery]
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The discs of 15 fresh human cadaveric spines (L1-S1) were radiated with Nd: YAG laser energies varying from 1000 to 3000J in 5 groups. The volume ablation rates, changes in intradisc pressure, and changes, in temperature at four important sites around the disc were measured during the laser radiation. ⋯ The increase in temperature of adjacent tissue was very low, not exceeding 3 degrees C. The results of this study provide a basis for the use of lasers in percutaneous lumbar discectomy, and in clinical practice in the future.