Nenad Zivkovic1*, Ruetten Sebastian2 and Tasic Goran3
Background: Percutaneous radiofrequency nucleoplasty is a true minimally invasive technique for treatment for radiculopathy caused by contained disc protrusions. This minimally invasive procedure uses termocoblation technology for coagulating and ablation the intervertebral disc to reduce pressure on a compressed nerve.
Methods: Our study is a prospective analysis conducted of 27 patients aged from 30 years to 64 years, with lumbar disc protrusion who were treated with percutaneous radiofrequency disc decompression from May 2018 to May 2019. Clinical follow up was done at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. The outcomes were assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and MacNab criteria.
Results: Of all 27 patients, 14 were women and 13 were men and their mean age was 53 years ± 2 years. In all 27 patients percutaneous radiofrequency nucleotomy was performed. An excellent outcome in terms of the MacNab criteria was observed in 17 patients (63%), a good outcome in 8 patients (29.7%) and a poor outcome in 2 patients (7.3%). Preinterventionaly the back and leg VAS scores were 7.95 and 7.82 and on sixth month the back and leg VAS scores were 3.17 and 3.04. Patients with a poor outcome developed early recurrent disc prolapse and this cases required revision surgery.
Conclusion: Percutaneus radiofrequency nucleoplasty, as part of minimally invasive procedures, is effective and safe method for the treatment of disc protrusion, and it is a good alternative to surgery. These procedures significantly increase quality of life of patiens with lumbar radiculopathy.