Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive way to decompress a herniated disc using a SpineWand. Many patients suffer back and leg pain from small contained herniated discs. If the herniations are below a certain size they do not respond well to conventional open surgery.
Nucleoplasty is an outpatient procedure taking about 30 minutes.
Because this is not an open procedure, little to no scarring is produced around the spinal nerves, something which inevitably occurs with an open surgery. Such scarring might cause recurring pain in the future. The recovery time from Nucleoplasty is much less than with open surgery.
The following are some frequently asked questions about Nucleoplasty:
Q: What symptoms can be treated?
A: The procedure treats those who suffer from a contained disc herniation that has not responded to conservative care. Nucleoplasty is not useful for degenerative disc disease or spinal fractures.
Q: What happens before the procedure?
A: Medical evaluation includes a physical exam. Diagnostic tests such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or discography may be conducted to diagnose and locate the symptomatic disc herniation and determine if the procedure is appropriate.
Q: How does the procedure work?
A: Plasma Disc Decompression requires the patient to lie on his/her stomach throughout the procedure. This is typically performed with minimal anesthesia requirements. A small nick is made in the skin near the spine, and a needle is inserted. The decompression device, called a SpineWand®, is then inserted through the needle into the disc and activated to remove tissue. The device and the needle are removed and the small nick is covered with a bandage.
Q: Will the procedure hurt?
A: Because Plasma Disc Decompression is a minimally invasive procedure done under local anesthesia with sedation, there should be minimal pain. A patient may experience some discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted.
Q: What happens after the procedure?
A: Patients are required to remain for observation for one hour after the procedure. Typically, patients are then released to rest for one to three days with limited sitting or walking.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: The total procedure time is generally between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Q: Can my symptoms be relieved?
A: In most cases, symptoms caused by the herniated disc are gone or diminished within weeks.
