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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
11:04
A Cell Free Assay to Study Chromatin Decondensation at the End of Mitosis
Published on: December 19, 2015
Chemonucleolysis: the state of the art
J W Simmons1, E J Nordby, A G Hadjipavlou
1Alamo Bone and Joint Clinic, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Summary
Chemonucleolysis is a viable alternative for back pain when conservative treatments fail. With proper patient selection, its success rates are comparable to surgical discectomy.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Chemonucleolysis involves enzyme injections to treat herniated discs.
- Its efficacy compared to surgical discectomy has been debated.
- A historical review is needed to understand its place in treatment algorithms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history, techniques, indications, contraindications, and complications of chemonucleolysis.
- To compare the success rates of chemonucleolysis with surgical discectomy.
- To establish the efficacy of chemonucleolysis relative to surgical interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published between 1973 and 1998.
- Inclusion of data on chemonucleolysis, open discectomy, and microdiscectomy.
- Determination of mean success rates and standard deviations for each procedure.
Main Results:
- Published success rates for chemonucleolysis, open discectomy, and microdiscectomy were analyzed.
- Mean success rates with standard deviations were calculated.
- Chemonucleolysis demonstrated comparable efficacy to surgical options in selected patients.
Conclusions:
- Chemonucleolysis remains a valid treatment option for patients unresponsive to conservative care.
- Proper patient selection is crucial for achieving successful outcomes.
- Success rates of chemonucleolysis are comparable to those of open and microdiscectomy.
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Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base-pairs of DNA. Each base-pair is 0.34 nm long, which means that each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. How is such a long DNA strand packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10 - 20 microns in diameter?
The chromatin
In combination with specialized DNA binding protein called Histones, the DNA double helix forms a compact DNA: protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin itself is further compacted into higher-order structures.
The chromatin
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