Rapid correction of neurologic deficits by percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD)

Immediate correction of neurologic deficits due to herniated disc disease following percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) has not previously been reported. In a review of 182 cases of herniated intervertebral disc disease with radicular pain syndromes, the author observed a high percentage of return of absent ankle and knee jerk reflexes, return of straight leg raising to normal, and a change of the characteristic rolling to one side, bending the knees, and propping up with the hands as the usual maneuver to change from a supine to a sitting position ("Choy sign") to an ability to sit up directly by trunk flexion, immediately, and at 1 day after PLDD. The neurophysiologic implications are discussed.