[Percutaneous nucleotomy]

Percutaneous nucleotomy (PN) is a non-operative, percutaneous, intervening, radiologically controlled method for the treatment of non-sequestrated herniated discs. The diagnostic criteria are CT, MR, functional myelography with myelo-CT, discography and disco-CT. Of the indication for this procedure is strictly confined to patients pretreated in the conventional way, this method yields good or very good results in about 75-80% of cases. PN is performed under local anesthesia and under fluoroscopic control. Of the technical parameters are strictly observed, PN is considered a low-risk method. The rate of infection is lower than 1%. Even though there are no long-term results yet, the positive results we have observed for 1 to 6 years suggest that this method will become an established method of treating herniated discs, as there is little discomfort for the patient.