This energy–in the form of heat–reduces the pressure inside the disc. Instead, once the needle is in place, laser energy is delivered through the needle and into the disc. Unlike conventional discectomy, the protruding piece of disc compressing nerve roots is not surgically removed. This allows physicians to see precisely where to place the needle used in PLDD.
The laser is delivered through a needle inserted into the disc and guided by computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy.ĬT fluoroscopy involves creating images with X-rays that are further enhanced by contrast dye. PLDD is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require general anesthesia. Short recovery time – one 2010 review found that the average time to return to work was one week.Outpatient procedure – no hospital stay required.One of its biggest advantages as a first procedure is that if it proves ineffective, open or minimally invasive surgery can still be performed at a later date. PLDD can be an effective and attractive procedure for the right patient. What are the advantages of Laser Disc Decompression? Disc pain and radiculopathy lasting longer than three months.Tried conservative treatment methods without success.Most people who are treated with PLDD have: It is most often used to treat bulging or herniated discs and the resulting radiculopathy (radiating pain) in the lower back, also known as the lumbar spine.Īlthough the ideal patient is one who has an untreated disc herniation without disc fragments, PLDD can be and has been used to treat herniations after they have been unsuccessfully surgically treated. The procedure can be used for disc herniations to any vertebra except for those numbered T1 through T4. PLDD is safe, effective and minimally invasive, and for these reasons it is the procedure of choice at Edison Spine Center. Instead of surgically removing the source of the compression, laser disc decompression works by using laser energy to destroy it. Compressed nerve roots can cause pain, tingling, numbness, weakness and other symptoms in the back, neck, arms and legs. Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) is a method of relieving pressure on nerve roots in the spine, such as from herniated discs.
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