Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Cervical disc herniations and percutaneous laser disc decompression: a case report.

Daniel S J Choy1, Arpad S Fejos

  • 1Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Laser Spine Center, New York, USA. Dchoy@NYC.rr.com

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
|January 27, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) effectively treats herniated cervical discs with a 90% improvement rate. This minimally invasive procedure allows patients to return to work the next day with a low complication rate.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

History of lasers in medicine.

Photomedicine and laser surgery·2014
Same author

23rd Anniversary of Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD).

Photomedicine and laser surgery·2009
Same author

Axial compression frame for MRI of thoracolumbar spine.

AJR. American journal of roentgenology·2007
Same author

Sciatic pain.

Photomedicine and laser surgery·2007
Same author

Repeat PLDD.

Photomedicine and laser surgery·2006
Same author

Dependent edema and ascites associated with CPAP/BiPAP treatment of sleep apnea.

Sleep medicine·2006

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

  • Cervical disc herniations often require intervention when conservative treatments fail.
  • Surgical options for cervical disc herniation carry inherent risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) for treating herniated cervical discs.
  • To assess patient outcomes and complication rates following PLDD.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 93 patients with MRI-confirmed cervical disc herniations underwent PLDD using an Nd:YAG laser.
  • The procedure involved fluoroscopic guidance, local anesthesia, and targeted laser energy delivery to the disc.
  • Patients were discharged on the same day with instructions to resume work the following day.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Ninety percent of patients achieved significant improvement based on the MacNab criteria.
  • All patients were able to return to their daily activities, including work, the day after the procedure.
  • A single complication (0.6%) of a retro-esophageal abscess was reported and successfully treated.

Conclusions:

  • Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) is a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment for cervical disc herniations.
  • The procedure demonstrates a low complication rate, making it a viable alternative to traditional surgery.
  • Due to the proximity of critical anatomical structures, PLDD should be performed by experienced interventionists with specialized training.