Salvage operation for persistent low back pain and sciatica induced by percutaneous laser disc decompression performed at outside institution: correlation of magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative and pathological findings.

Objective: We identified several problems associated with percutaneous lumbar disc decompression (PLDD) based on a study of patients who required salvage operations for complications after undergoing PLDD at an outside institution.

Background Data: PLDD has been performed as a new treatment for intervertebral disc herniation in recent years, and its safety and effectiveness are in the process of being established. Because the procedure is simple to perform under local anesthesia, inappropriate irradiation and application to patients for whom it is not indicated have sometimes resulted in a poor outcome and serious complications.

Localization and changes of intraneural inflammatory cytokines and inducible-nitric oxide induced by mechanical compression.

Study Design: Investigation of intraneural inflammation induced by mechanical compression.

Objectives: In order to investigate the mechanism of neuropathy, this study used a median nerve compression model in dogs. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the localization and changes of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO).

Effect of lumbar nerve root compression on primary sensory neurons and their central branches: changes in the nociceptive neuropeptides substance P and somatostatin.

Study Design: This study examined the effect of lumbar nerve root compression on nociceptive neuropeptides in the axonal flow using an in vivo model.

Objectives: The aim was to investigate changes in axonal flow after nerve root compression by using immunohistochemical techniques to detect substance P (SP) and somatostatin (SOM), which is thought to be involved in temperature and pain sensation.

Summary Of Background Data: Disturbance of intraradicular blood flow and nerve fiber deformation caused by mechanical compression are thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of diseases characterized by radicular symptoms, such as lumbar disc herniation and lumbar canal stenosis.