Plasma-Mediated Disc Decompression for Contained Cervical Disc Herniation: Results Through 5 Years

Abstract

Conventional treatment for cervical disc herniations often defaults to open cervical discectomy, potentially supplemented by intervertebral fusion. Newer treatment strategies focus on percutaneous, minimally invasive procedures which are capable of resolving herniation pathology while offering decreased morbidity and convalescence time when compared to fusion. In cases where patients complain of radicular and neck pain symptoms related to a contained herniated disc, plasma disc decompression may be used as a minimally invasive treatment option on the cervical intervertebral discs.Three hundred and forty-nine patients who presented with a contained herniated cervical disc or focal protrusion causing pain associated with cervical nerve root compression were treated between January 2003 and May 2007. This case series study was conducted to evaluate clinical results through 1 year postoperatively.

Clinical Efficacy of Selective Focal Ablation by Navigable Percutaneous Disc Decompression Device in Patients With Cervical Herniated Nucleus Pulposus

“…Direct and focal removal of the target herniated disc by the flexible and navigable tip may induce better clinical outcomes and avoid excessive disc degeneration. In our study, at sequential postoperative follow-ups, there were clinically significant reduction in pain, improvement of disability and health-related quality of life, consistent with previous studies due to the percutaneous cervical disc decompression by radiofrequency energy [2122]. …”

Current Evidence of Percutaneous Nucleoplasty for the Cervical Herniated Disk: A Systematic Review

“…did not report the exact number and levels of treated disks, but only patients n = 62 and n = 349). When distracting the number of patients reported by Cesaroni et al . (62 + 349 = 411), 481 (≥ 892 to 411) detailed PCN‐treated disks remain.…”

“…Fifty‐nine abstracts were screened of which ten full‐text articles were included (3 RCTs, 7 nonrandomized studies). These ten studies represent a total of 1021 patients: 823 patients (≥ 892 disks) were treated by PCN (both reports of Cesaroni et al . did not report the exact number and levels of treated disks, but only patients n = 62 and n = 349).…”

“…Four comparative studies were included; 3 RCTs and 1 retrospective study . All RCTs compared PCN with CC (medical and/or physical therapy) ( n = 103), while the retrospective study compared with percutaneous cervical diskectomy (PCD) ( n = 95). Total FU term ranged between 60 days and 60 months.…”

“…Cesaroni et al . evaluated clinical outcomes of 349 patients with contained herniated cervical disk or focal protrusion treated by PCN.…”