Pressure changes in cervical disc after percutaneous radiofrequency nucleoplasty / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the changes of pressure in cervical disc after percutaneous radiofrequency nucleoplasty,and provide theoretical basis for percutaneous radiofrequency nucleoplasty in the treatment of cervical disc herniation. Methods Forty-two patients with cervical disc herniation (33 cases of nerve root-type cervical spondylopathy and 9 cases of vertebral artery-type cervical spondylopathy) were treated with pereutaneous radiofrequeney nucleoplasty. The pressures of operated cervical disc were measured in the operation, and their clinical effects were evaluated using the JOA values 1 week after operation. The relationship between pressure changes in cervical disc and clinical effect was studied. Results The pressure in the cervical disc in 33 cases of nerve root-type cervical spondylopathy was decreased (1.84 ± 0.96) kPa (P=0.000), and the JOA values increased (3.27 ± 1.35) scares (P=0.000) 1 week after operation. The pressure in the cervical disc in 9 cases of vertebral artery-type cervical spondylopathy was decreased (1.72 ± 0.92) kPa (P= 0.000), and the JOA values increased (2.78 ± 0.67) scores (P= 0.000) 1 week after operation. Correlative analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between the pressure decrease of cervical disc and the JOA values increase (P < 0.05). Conclusion Percutaneous radiofrequency nucleoplasty can help to reduce pressure in the cervical disc and relieve the clinical symptoms.