Silvia Lucarini MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Ernesto Mazza MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Lapo Sali MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Pierpaolo maria Menchetti, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mario Acquafresca, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Natale Villari MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous laser diode disc decompression (PL3D) in the treatment of lumbosacral disc herniation.

From September 2002 to February 2006 we performed 842 percutaneous laser diode disc decompressions in 708 patients (age 16-84, mean age 42) with relevant symptoms resistant to medical therapy. We used fluoroscopic guidance in 553 patients, CT guidance in 143 and fluoro-CT guidance in 12. The level of disc decompression was L2-L3 in 45 cases, L3-L4 in 96, L4-L5 in 395, L5-S1 in 306. In 48 cases the PL3D was performed after unsuccessful microsurgical approach. The access to the intervertebral disc was performed with a 21G Chiba needle of 100 or 150 mm. The needle was introduced either with an oblique or a paramedian transdural access. In all cases a multidiode laser with a wavelenght of 980 nm was used. The clinical success was evaluated with the MacNab criteria.

After a mean follow-up of 21 months 618 patients (91%) had a good response according to MacNab criteria. Minor complications occurred in 21 patients: aseptic spondylitis in 5 cases and headache related to liquor leakage in 16 cases.

Percutaneous disc decompression, performed using a multidiode laser inserted through a 21 G needle, under CT or fluoroscopic guidance, appears to be an effective and nearly uncomplicated treatment for herniated intervertebral discs.

Percutaneous disc decompression, performed using a multidiode laser inserted through a 21 G needle, under CT or fluoroscopic guidance, appears to be an effective and nearly uncomplicated treatment for herniated intervertebral discs.

Lucarini, S, Mazza, E, Sali, L, Menchetti, P, Acquafresca, M, Villari, N, Percutaneous Laser Diode Disc Decompression (PL3D) with Fluoroscopic Guidance, CT Guidance, and Fluoro-CT Guidance.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4440857.html