WSM Medic
๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐, ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฆ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ.
๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ง๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐?
The treatment principle of Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD) is based on the concept of the intervertebral disc is like a closed hydraulic system. This mechanism is exploited by application of laser energy to evaporate water content in the nucleus pulposus through a fine needle, reducing the intradiscal pressure. Apart from evaporation of water, the laser energy also causes protein denaturation, resulting in structural strengthening of the nucleus pulposus and further reduce the intradiscal pressure.
Intradiscal pressure is the main source of pain, numbness and tingling. A reduction of intradiscal pressure causes the herniated part of the disc to shrink, thus leading to reduction of nerve root compression. Patients may feel immediate relief from pain. In other words, PLDD will not makes the intervertebral space thinner.
Lumbar discectomy is another surgery option to remove a herniated disc in the lower spine. An incision is made from back of the spine, through the back muscles and bone (lamina), to remove the herniated disc pressing on the nerve. In order to gain access to the herniated disc, a portion of lamina (part of spinal bone) needs to be cut and removed and spinal nerve is retracted to one side to avoid injuries of nerve. Depending on the severity of slipped disc, one disc (single-level) or more (multi-level) may be removed entirely. Once removed, there is no intervertebral disc in between the intervertebral body, hence, the space may be narrowed. In some cases, metallic medical device (screws/plates) will be implanted into the space, there is a possibility that the spine movement becomes limited or rigid.
A minimally invasive treatment method like PLDD will not make the intervertebral space thinner, there will be minimal disruption of the back muscles and has a shorter recovery time. Surgeon will recommend the technique conservatively.