Efficacy of Radiofrequency Nucleoplasty and Targeted Disc Decompression in Lumbar Radiculopathy

The Comparison of the Efficacy of Radiofrequency Nucleoplasty and Targeted Disc Decompression in Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Retrospective Review

The aim of this study is to compare early and long term efficacy of lumbar radiofrequency nucleoplasty and targeted disc decompression in patients with lumbar radiculopathy who failed previous conventional therapy. Medical records of 37 patients undergoing targeted disc decompression, 36 patients undergoing lumbar radiofrequency nucleoplasty were retrospectively examined.Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Functional Rating Index, Backache index, Oswestry Lumbar Back Pain Disability Index, Rolland-Morris Lumbar Back Pain Questionnaire scales were used before treatment and 1,6,12 months after the procedure. North American Spine Society Satisfaction Scale was used at 12th month after the procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients having radicular pain with or without low back pain for at least 6 weeks inspite of conservative treatment who have unsequestrated, bulging, protruded or extruded hernia confirmed with MRI.

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients having a more than 50% loss in disc area, sequestrated disc, the presence of vertebra fracture or tumor, the patients having spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis