Repeat chymopapain injections. Results and complications

In this review of 35 patients who received repeat chymopapain injections, 41% had an excellent result, 37% had some improvement, and 22% showed no improvement. Of the 21 patients followed who had the same disc injected twice, 43% had an excellent result and 24% had no improvement. Of the three patients followed who had a different disc injected on the second occasion, one had an excellent result, and none showed no improvement. There was no significant difference between the two groups. Six patients (17%) had an anaphylactic reaction to the second injection. Five had a major reaction. Repeat chymopapain injection may be a valid treatment for a protruded disc but should not be performed until a definitive test for sensitivity is developed.