The effects of chemonucleolysis as demonstrated by computerised tomography

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Herniated lumbar discs are a common cause of low back pain.
• Chemonucleolysis is a minimally invasive treatment option.
• Computerized tomography (CT) is used for diagnosis and monitoring.

Observation:

• CT scans were performed on 30 patients before and three months after chemonucleolysis.
• Twenty-eight patients had positive CT findings for herniated discs.
• Twenty-three patients showed diffuse annulus bulging post-treatment.

Findings:

• Chemonucleolysis reduced or eliminated disc compression in 20 of 28 patients.
• Clinical outcomes correlated well with CT-observed changes in compression.
• No bony changes or epidural fibrosis were detected post-procedure.

Implications:

• Chemonucleolysis is effective for herniated lumbar discs causing nerve compression.
• The treatment is not indicated when compression results from annulus bulging.
• CT imaging is crucial for assessing treatment efficacy and patient selection.