[The CT-controlled treatment possibilities in intervertebral disk prolapses]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiology
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Lumbar and cervical disc prolapse are common causes of back and neck pain.
• Traditional surgical approaches can be limited by anatomical variations and carry risks of iatrogenic damage.
• Percutaneous discectomy offers a less invasive alternative, but its application can be challenging in certain cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel CT-controlled percutaneous method for treating lumbar and cervical disc prolapse.
• To evaluate the feasibility and early efficacy of this technique, particularly in challenging anatomical situations.
• To assess the safety and success rates of the procedure in a cohort of patients.

Main Methods:

• A CT-controlled percutaneous technique was employed for lumbar and cervical disc prolapse treatment.
• The dorsal approach allowed treatment of L5/S1 disc prolapse even with high iliac crests.
• The method aimed to remove various types of disc herniations, including intraforaminal, intraspinal, subligamentous, and sequestered fragments.

Main Results:

• Treatment was successful in 85% of 79 patients with lumbar disc prolapse (17-month follow-up).
• Treatment was successful in 93% of 15 patients with cervical disc prolapse (12-month follow-up).
• The technique reduced the risk of iatrogenic damage in the cervical region and enabled dorsal approach for L5/S1 disc prolapse.

Conclusions:

• CT-controlled percutaneous discectomy is a promising method for treating lumbar and cervical disc prolapse.
• The technique demonstrates high early success rates and improved safety profiles.
• Further assessment with larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up periods is warranted to confirm long-term efficacy.