SIDE-EFFECTS AND COMPLICATIONS OF AUTOMATED PERCUTANEOUS LUMBAR NUCLEOTOMY

We reviewed the records of 243 patients treated at 271 disc levels to determine the incidence of side effects and complications of percutane ous nucleotomy. In our early experience there were 7 technical failure s (2.5% of all attempts), of which 6 were at the 5th disc level. The s uccess rate dropped from 67% at 3 months to 60% 1 year after treatment due to recurrences in 16 patients (6.6%). Extruded or sequestered fra gments were found in 6 patients (2.4%), and may have been caused by nu cleotomy. However, only one was accompanied by aggravation of symptoms . Discitis was seen in 2 patients (0.8%), both treated at two separate disc levels. About half the patients experienced increased low back p ain, mean duration 9 days, after treatment, and 3 (1.2%), of whom 2 al so had nonorganic disorders, needed admission to hospital because of s evere pain. Mild spasm and a sensation of instability were noted by 9. 6% and 25% of the patients respectively. Injury to nerves, bowels, ves sels or ureters or a dural leak never occurred. The study confirms ear lier reports that the rate of serious complications is low.