Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression: In Low Back Pain or in Radicular Pain

Abstract

Objective: The efficacy of percutaneous laser disc decompression is still controversial due to inconsistencies between the studies. However, the reason for this discrepancy may be due to having different success levels in low back pain and leg pain. In this study, the response of both pain modalities to percutaneous laser disc decompression was examined separately. Material and Methods: Results of 49 patients who underwent percutaneous laser disc decompression only for low back pain and 36 patients who underwent percutaneous laser disc decompression only for radicular pain were analyzed retrospectively. It was investigated on which pain type that percutaneous laser disc decompression was more effective. In addition, by examining the magnetic resonance images of the patients, it was determined whether there was a change in the size of the disc herniation. Reults: Although statistically percutaneous laser disc decompression was effective in both types of pain, this effect was much more pronounced in the low back pain group. It was determined that percutaneous laser disc decompression did not reduce the size of the disc herniation, but still provided some reduction in radicular pain. It was determined that it was much more effective in low back without reducing the size of the disc herniation. Conclusion: percutaneous laser disc decompression is more effective in low back pain. However, a reduction in the size of the disc herniation should not be expected.