Discoplasty – Non-Invasive and Less Invasive Spine Day Procedures (Scarless without open Surgery)
Dr Prem Pillay
Senior Spine Specialist and Neurosurgeon (Spine+Nerves+Pain)
NeuroSpine and Pain Center Singapore
Fig 1, 2, 3: Image guided high definition Computed Tomograpy of the Spine during the Discoplasty to allow navigation of the Fine Spine Needles with high accuracy and precision to the injured Spine Disc. A micro device is deployed through the hollow of the needle to deliver a superior to laser energy. Robotics can be used to improve the accuracy of the procedure.
Discoplasty refers to the treatment of the Spine Disc (the soft gel likesubstancebetween the spine vertebrae or hard bones) without physically cutting it or replacing it. Discoplasty refers to a process to reduce dangerous accumulation of pressure within the disc which leads to disc protrusion, extrusion and even a burst part of the disc called sequestration that can damage spine nerves can lead to weakness, numbness and even paralysis.
Discoplasty in the past has been done with chemicals and mechanical disccutting systems (eg Chymopapain) but is currently done through small fine needles placed under high definition Spine Imaging (see images above) into the center of the spine discs; to deploy micro devices that give a special energy to reduce the pressure build up within the disc. Although lasers have been used, there are now more advanced technologies include superior to laser systems with more controlled energy and less heat as compared with lasers for the treatment. This includes high frequency plasma energy. Discoplasty is best done by experienced Spine Specialists such as Neurosurgeons who have had training in Spine, Nerves and Pain diseases, treatments and procedures.
Nucleoplasty refers to the treatment of the central part of the disc called the nucleus only.
Annuloplasty refers to the treatment of the outer covering of the disc which contains small nerve fibers to stun these nerves that can cause pain.
Discoplasty if carried out before the disc wears out significantly or ruptures can give good results in protecting and preserving the function of the Spine nerves including the spinal cord in patients who present with Neck Pain or Low Back Pain from Spine Disc Disease or Injury; and reducing pain and disability allowing an earlier return to work and activity.
