Nicolas Amoretti MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Etienne Hovorka MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maud Rouquette MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Pierre-Yves Marcy MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Olivier Hericord PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marie-eve Fonquerne MD,PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jean noel Bruneton, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Philippe Brunner, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To report a study on the use of the 1.5mm "dekompressor probe" (Stryker kalamazoo,MI,USA) on percutaneous discectomy performed under dual guidance in 100 patients.

From september 2003 to december 2005 we have conducted a prospective review on 100 patients chosen at random presenting with sciatica pain secondary to a nonextruded herniated disc resisting all medical treatments and no improvement 3 weeks after CT-guided infiltration. The intensity of pain was measured by Huskisson's VAS with a chek up after 2,7 days,1,3,6 month,1 and 2 years. The results in relation to the location of the herniated disc (posteromedian, posterolateral, foraminal) are analyzed.

In 21 patients, the results were not satisfactory, the decrease of the VAS was less than 30% and one superficial wound infection responded well to debridement and antibiotics.A significant good and durable pain relief was observed in 79 patients during the first week after the procedure and in the long terme follow-up.Our study demonstrated an interesting observation concerning the location of the hernia: the results were more satisfactory for the hernia located laterally than for the posteromedian one.

Percutaneous discectomy is a safe, simple and efficient procedure in case of sciatica secondary to a non extruded hernia resisting all medical treatment and CT-guided infiltration. Criteria of inclusion and exclusion must be strictly respected in particular the conservation of a hydrated disc.The results are more satisfactory for the hernia located laterally than for the posteromedian one.

Percutaneous lumbar discectomy is a efficient technique in case of sciatica secondary to an non extruded disc and whom the medical therapies including CT guided infiltration had been unsuccessful.

Amoretti, N, Hovorka, E, Rouquette, M, Marcy, P, Hericord, O, Fonquerne, M, Bruneton, J, Brunner, P, et al, , Percutaneous Discectomy under CT and Fluoroscopic Guidance Using a Decompression Probe: 6 to 30 Months Follow-up—100 Case Reports.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4430324.html