Percutaneous Discectomy

Minimally invasive, fluoroscopy-guided disc decompression for contained herniated discs — reducing intradiscal pressure and relieving nerve root compression without open surgery.

A Less Invasive Path to Disc Decompression

Percutaneous discectomy is a fluoroscopy-guided procedure in which a specialized cannula and probe are introduced into the disc space through a small skin puncture. By mechanically or thermally removing a portion of the nucleus pulposus, intradiscal pressure is reduced — relieving the bulge or herniation that is compressing the adjacent nerve root.

This approach avoids the risks of open surgery, general anesthesia, and long recovery times. It is best suited for patients with contained disc herniations (the outer annulus remains intact) who have not responded to conservative measures including physical therapy and epidural steroid injections.

Ideal Candidates

• Contained posterolateral or central disc herniation
• MRI-confirmed herniation correlating with symptoms
• Persistent radiculopathy after 6+ weeks of conservative care
• Failed ESI or only partial response
• Intradiscal pressure elevation confirmed

Available Techniques

• Mechanical nucleotomy (automated or manual)
• Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD)
• Radiofrequency coblation (Nucleoplasty)
• Combination approaches as indicated