Medical evaluation will include a physical exam. Diagnostic tests such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), steroid injection, or discography may be conducted to diagnose and locate the symptomatic disc herniation and determine if the procedure is appropriate.

Nucleoplasty is performed under local anesthesia and light sedation. A small nick is made in the skin near the spine, and a needle is inserted. The decompression device is then inserted through the needle, into the disc and activated to remove tissue. The device and needle are removed and the small nick is covered with a bandage. The entire procedure will take approximately one hour.

Patients will be required to be observed for one to two hours after the procedure. Typically, patients are then released to rest for one to three days with limited sitting or walking.

In most cases, symptoms caused by the disc herniation are gone or diminished within two weeks. A patient may experience some discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted.

After about one week, patients are typically allowed to pursue some physical activity and return to work.

BENEFITS

• Minimally invasive; performed using x-ray guidance
  • Elimination of general anaesthesia
  • Elimination of complications that may result from open surgery
• Outpatient procedure
  • No overnight hospitalisation required
  • Procedure time is about 1-2 hours
• Rapid recovery time
  • Patients go home the same day of treatment
• Quick symptom relief within two weeks for most patients

RISKS

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve Injury
• Injury to endplate of vertebral body

Complications are rare, but these should be discussed with your doctor.