Percutaneous nucleotomy according to Onik: indications and results in 76 cases

The authors report their experience using the Onik technique for the treatment of disc herniation in 76 patients since 1990. Indications that are not always easy in relation to a correct application of the Onik protocol are discussed. It is believed that a reduction in intra-disc pressure is favorable also in the presence of partial expulsion of the nucleus, decreasing the tendency towards further alimentation of herniated material in the vertebral canal. The results allow us to affirm that it is possible to obtain benefits even in patients who are not held to be suited to use of the Onik protocol, with the exclusion of migrated hernias, with emphasis on the fact that the best results were obtained in protrusion-bulging in young patients with acute symptoms and clinical signs corresponding to the nerve root involved.