Objective: to evaluate the role of percutaneous lumbar discectomy in treating discogenic low back pain.
Method : The technique of percutaneous discectomy was evaluated in 34 cases of discogenic low back pain between September 2009 and September 2012. Intervention was performed after failure of conservative management. Inclusion criteria were complaints of back pain with or without radicular leg pain and failure of six weeks of conservative care. The diagnosis of discogenic pain was confirmed with imaging studies "MRI" and positive provocative discography with elicitation of concordant pain. Exclusion criteria were presenting with disc extrusion, evidence of previous back surgery, infection or spinal instability, and marked spinal stenosis, and non-qualifying results on provocative discography. Follow up period was 12 months using visual analogue score (VAS) and Oswestry disability index.
Results: This prospective evaluation demonstrated pain relief defined as 2 points or more relief in VAS, in 63% of the patients at 6 months and 50% of the patients at 1 year regarding the back pain.
Conclusion: percutaneous disc decompression using percutaneous discectomy is a safe and effective procedure in alleviating discogenic back pain with or without radicular leg pain.