Percutaneous mechanical lumbar disc decompression using the enSpire^TMinterventional discectomy system: a preliminary study

Abstract

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Background:The enSpire TM interventional discectomy system is a new device for treating percutaneous disc decompression (PDD). The outcomes of using the enSpire TM for lumbar disc herniation have not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of the enSpire TM interventional discectomy system for lumbar disc herniation with radiating pain. Methods: Twelve patients with lumbar disc herniation with radiating leg pain were enrolled in the study. All patients received PDD using enSpire TM . Numeric rating scale (NRS) scores for pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were obtained initially and after 1 and 3 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1, in which the NRS score improved by more than 50% at 3 months after procedure, and Group 2, in which the NRS score remained the same or improved by less than 50%. Results: After PDD using the enSpire TM , the NRS scores decreased from 6.9 ± 1.2 to 2.8 ± 2.7; and ODI scores decreased from 25.8 ± 4.6 to 18.2 ± 5.5. No statistical differences occurred between Group 1 (n = 8) and Group 2 (n = 4) except in the duration of prior illness. Conclusions: The enSpire TM interventional discectomy system is effective and safe over the short-term, minimally invasive, and easy to use. (Anesth Pain Med 2017; 12: 72-76)