EFFECT OF ND-YAG LASER ON EXPERIMENTAL DISC DEGENERATION .1. BIOCHEMICAL AND RADIOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

Intervertebral disc herniation is an important health problem from bot h the social and economic aspect. It is often accompanied by a decreas e in the content of water and proteoglycan (PG). The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garn et (Nd:YAG) laser on degenerated disc tissue. In this study a ventral disc herniation model in guinea pigs was performed to study the effect s of Nd:YAG laser on degenerated disc with low water and PG content. E ffect of Nd:YAG laser on degenerated cervical disc tissue is examined from the aspects of biochemistry and radiology. In the acute period wa ter, PG, and collagen content content decreased due to the ablative ef fect of Nd:YAG laser on disc tissue. When changes in the degenerated d isc in the post-laser chronic period were compared with degenerated di sc findings, statistically significant changes could not be found. Fro m the results of this study, there is no question that the Nd:YAG lase r offers many potential benefits, it remains to be proven whether or n ot this is of real benefit in the treatment of patients with degenerat ed disc disease.