Nucleoplasty for Disc Prolapse

Dr Anurag Awasthi, Orthopaedic Specialist, Sohna Road, Gurgaon; 9718112112
Nucleoplasty is recommended for patients who have not responded to rest, medical intervention (including steroid injection), and/or physical therapy.

The ideal nucleoplasty patient has symptoms associated with a contained herniated disc.

Radicular Symptoms:

• Radicular symptoms > Axial symptoms
• Radiologic evidence of contained disc protrusion
• Discography concordant, if indicated
• Failed conservative treatment
• Disc height > 50%

Axial Symptoms (due to a contained disc herniation):

• Discography positive for concordant pain
• Disc height > 75%
• Failed conservative treatment

Contraindications:

• Spinal fracture or tumor
• Extruded disc
• Complete annular disruption
• Moderate to severe spinal stenosis
• Severe degenerative disc
• Bone deformities

RRef : Arthrocare Spine