Nucleus Pulposus Resorption Following a Paraspinal Hook-Needle Intervention for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures
• Pain Management

Background:

• Lumbar disc herniation can cause debilitating low back pain and radicular symptoms.
• A 70-year-old woman presented with chronic, aggravated low back pain and left lower limb radiculopathy.
• Imaging revealed L4/5 and L5/S1 disc herniation compressing the L5 nerve root and a sequestered nucleus pulposus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the clinical outcomes of a paraspinal hook-needle intervention in a patient with lumbar disc herniation.
• To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this minimally invasive technique.

Main Methods:

• A minimally invasive paraspinal hook-needle intervention was performed under local anesthesia.
• The procedure utilized a specialized hook-shaped needle at selected lumbar segments.
• Clinical outcomes were assessed through physical examination, range of motion, muscle strength, sensory testing, and validated pain/disability scores.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced marked relief from low back pain and radicular symptoms.
• Significant improvements were observed in lumbar range of motion, paraspinal muscle tension, and tenderness.
• Motor strength, sensory deficits, and functional status (Visual Analog Scale, Oswestry Disability Index) showed substantial improvement.
• Radiographic evidence of sequestered nucleus pulposus disappearance was noted post-intervention.
• No adverse events were reported during the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The paraspinal hook-needle intervention was associated with significant clinical improvement in this case of lumbar disc herniation.
• The observed radiographic resolution of sequestered nucleus pulposus warrants further investigation.
• While promising, the temporal association does not confirm causality; prospective controlled studies are essential to establish efficacy and safety.