NucleoplastyTM
UPMC offers nucleoplasty, a minimally invasive treatment option for patients suffering from lower back and leg pain caused by a herniated intervertebral disc. The procedure is performed through a needle catheter with no surgical incision, making it an alternative to traditional spinal procedures for treating patients with nerve root irritation caused by smaller disc bulges or contained ruptures.
Nucleoplasty employs thermal energy to relieve pressure on the disc. Guided by x-ray images, the physician first inserts a needle into the disc. A specialized device known as a SpineWand is then introduced through the needle. Therapy consists of creating a series of channels in the disc and thermally treating nearby tissue. Radio waves from the SpineWand produce a low-temperature ionized gas that breaks up molecular bonds within the disc, essentially reducing tissue volume. The reduction in volume relieves pressure on the disc shell, which allows the herniation to recede, alleviating irritation of the nerve root.
Although nucleoplasty is a relatively new procedure, patient outcomes have been promising. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia and mild sedation,
so that the patient is awake and able to provide feedback to the physician. There is no need for post-procedure bracing, and patients are able to resume normal activity levels almost immediately.