Side effects and complications after percutaneous disc decompression using coblation technology.

Objective: To report the short-term side effects and complications after percutaneous disc decompression utilizing coblation technology.

Design: Following institutional review board approval, consecutive patients who were to undergo percutaneous disc decompression using coblation technology (nucleoplasty) were prospectively enrolled. Patients were questioned preoperatively, postoperatively, and 24 hrs, 72 hrs, 1 wk, and 2 wks postprocedure by an independent reviewer regarding 17 possible symptom complications, which included bowel or bladder symptoms, muscle spasm, new pain, numbness/tingling or weakness, fevers/chills, rash/pruritus, headaches, nausea/vomiting, bleeding, and needle insertion site soreness.

Complications and side effects of cervical and lumbosacral selective nerve root injections.

Objective: To determine the incidence of complications and side effects of cervical and lumbosacral selective nerve root injections (SNRIs).

Design: Prospective, nonrandomized controlled trial of consecutive patients with independent interviews for immediate, 1-week, and 3-month follow-ups.

Setting: Tertiary, academic spine center.