Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD)

In most cases, back problems can be eliminated by means of conservative therapies such as injections, electricity, massage or medication. But if these methods do not suffice, we have to eliminate the cause permanently. Above all in cases of strong prolapses of the intervertebral discs of the neck, chest and loin column, this relatively new method of percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) is extremely successful. The method is a protective, minimally invasive process which is extraordinarily well suited to either eliminate the problems or reduce them significantly. Often the method is suited for patients with spinal column alterations for whom a microsurgical intervention is still not recommended.

Process of Treatment

Unlike what happens during open operations, laser therapy does not require incisions. It is performed percutaneously, i.e., by means of punctures in the skin, with local anesthesia. During the process, we introduce a special needle into the protrusion of the intervertebral spinal disc with the aid of computer tomography or screen projection. The thin laser fiberglass is inserted all the way to the middle of the protrusion. Volume and pressure reduction as well as relief of the neural structure are obtained by means of vaporization of the internal parts of the prolapse and with laser energy. A rate of 80% makes the success of this method quite clear. The methods of nucleoplasty, radiofrequency, IDET, and others act similarly to PLDD.

Not only because of the reduced size of the intervention and its “elegance”, prolapses of the intervertebral discs have been treated more and more often with this laser therapy: There is scarcely any formation of scars, the muscles and joints remain intact and the nerves are not damaged. Additionally, this method of treatment is especially appropriate for patients for whom general anesthesia presents a certain degree of risk. The decisive advantage of the process: The intervention can be performed in several segments of the spinal column.

Duration of treatment: 30 minutes

Permanence in clinic: 4 to 5 days

Time limit: 4 days of rest in bed

after 2-3 weeks wearing a vertebral support (neck brace)

Bending, rotating and lifting are not allowed for 3 weeks.

Physiotherapy: after 2 to 3 weeks

Work incapacity: 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the profession

Ability to drive: after 2 to 3 weeks

Sports: after 2 to 3 months