What is it about?

Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed on an outpatient basis. Using fluoroscopy (x-ray guidance), the physician advances a needle into the herniated disc. The physician removes part of nucleous pulposus (inner part of disc) by a process called coblation technique.

 

Indications include back pain or combined back and leg pain, that have not improved after approximately three months of conservative therapy such as rest, pain medication, physical therapy etc.

Before your scheduled visit/procedure

How is it performed?

Under fluoroscopic guidance a thin introducer needle is inserted into the center of the disc, called the nucleus. When the proper position is confirmed by x-ray techniques, a channel is created to remove the tissue, heat and shrink the tissue through coagulation. This decompresses the disc, reducing the pressure both inside the disc and on nerve roots

After Care

You may feel numbness, tingling and/or weakness in leg or arm (depending on the site of procedure). These effects usually wear off in 6-8 hours. You may resume normal daily activity the following day. Please call us if you continue to have pain or notce swelling, redness, fever or experience a new onset of weaknesss.