DIODE-LASER-BASED PUNCTURE THERMOPLASTY OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS

Abstract

Objective. To analyze short-term results in patients with spine degenerative disease treated by intradiscal puncture thermoplasty with domestically-produced diode laser. Material and Мethods. A series of 155 patients with compression and irritative degeneration disease of the spine were treated using a puncture laser thermoplastic method. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia, with electron- optic transformer control using laser scalpel and 0.9 mm internal diameter needle. During the procedure saline solution was injected into the disc to cool the laser-influenced area, secure disc tissues, and form additional heat carrier. Results. No complications were observed during the procedure. In 120 patients (77.4 %) a regression of reflector, sensitive and motor disorders substantiated by electroneuromyography data and significant reduction of hernial protrusion were observed. In three months they returned to work unrelated to heavy physical activity. The recurrence of pain syndrome within 12 months was observed in 23 patients (14.8 %), out of them 12 patients were admitted to hospital where two patients underwent laser thermoplasty at the adjacent level. Conclusion. Application of low-power radiation (970 nm wave length) and saline solution as a heat carrier allows avoiding destructive damage to the intervertebral disc tissue without intervertebral space changes. Twelve months followup after minimally invasive procedure revealed sufficiently stable positive effect in 85 % of cases.