Disc-FX-Nonendoscopic Radiofrequency Disc Ablation/Decompression/Nucleotomy: First Experiences
A Feldmann, S Hellinger
Citation
A Feldmann, S Hellinger. Disc-FX-Nonendoscopic Radiofrequency Disc Ablation/Decompression/Nucleotomy: First Experiences. The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology. 2006 Volume 1 Number 1.
Abstract
Since the sixties, there has been a tendency to develop less invasive and aggressive methods in the treatment of discal diseases following the experience of Mixter that micro discectomy is not the final solution for this at all. Therefore, percutaneous procedures have been used for decades as an alternative to conventional surgical methods. Chemonucleolysis and percutaneous discectomy as well as laser decompression and discectomy are established methods besides the endoscopic techniques as minimal aggressive techniques. In recent years, the use of High Radiofrequency energy was added to this spectrum. Although with some similarity to the use of laser techniques, there is also great difference in the use of the device. Every technique from thermocoagulation for annuloplasty to the "coblation" must be considered as unique procedure. Disc-FX (Ellman Innovations, NY) is a new minimally invasive technology for the treatement of diseases of the lumbar spine with high radiofrequency based on the extensive use and positive experiences with use in endoscopic spine surgery.
The purpose of the presentation is to assess the feasibility and the potential of the Disc-FX with 4.0 MHz radiofrequency in intradiscal use. First we will discuss basic investigations for the efficiency and safety for this procedure. Then we will present our first clinical results demonstrating the surgical technique with the special assessable probe. For this first feasibility study patients with radicular pain syndromes and simple neurological deficits as well as contained disc extrusions or protrusions has been included. We did the procedures in two different centers by different surgeons and investigated the outcome standardized. The first results encourage us to further studies and seem to be comparable to the other non-endoscopic procedures avoiding an open surgery.
