Abstract

Objectives: Percutaneous disc decompression is a minimally invasive percutaneous procedure for treatment of low back pain and lower extremity pain due to herniated discs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Dekompressor on pain and analgesics consumption in patients with discogenic pain caused by herniated lumbar disc. Design and methods: In this prospective clinical study twenty-four patients with lumbar disc herniation, radicular pain resistant to medical treatment and physiotherapy for at least 3 months, and MRI-confirmed disc pathology correlating with the patient's symptoms (herniation<6 mm, with a disc height≥50% in comparison to normal adjacent discs) were included. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance on an outpatient basis and were discharged within 12 hours. Visual analogue scale (VAS), analgesics consumption, and patients' satisfaction were evaluated at 2 and 6 months postoperatively. Data were compared between baseline and at 2 and 6 months after disc decompression. Results: Twenty patients had one and four had two discs treated; a total of 28 procedures were performed. Pain score and analgesic consumption was stopped or reduced in 18 patients (75%) at 2 months and in 6 patients (25%) at 6 months after the procedure. Overall patient satisfaction was 70% at 2 months, and 91% at 6 months. There were no complications related to the procedures. Conclusions: Disc decompression utilizing Dekompressor appears to be safe and effective for lumbar discogenic pain.