The option of nucleoplasty for treating patients with low back and leg pain

Objective:To identify the best indications of nucleoplasty in treating patients with low back and leg pain.Method:Forty-five patients with low back pain(40 cases of them with leg pain at same time) were treated with nucleoplasty and were followed up for average 12 months(range 3~20 months) postoperatively.Their average age was 32 years old(18~46),average duration was 2 years(5 months~4 years).The data collected was analyzed via comparing pain changed preoperatively and postoperatively.Result:Total effective rate was 80% (36 cases).The effective rate was 85% in patients with leg pain at same time.The effective rate was 92% in patients with positive discography.8 cases were ineffective.The pain became severe postoperatively in only one case.Conclusion:The clinical factors favoring results of nucleoplasty for treating patients with low back and leg pain include:(1)Patients with low back pain and reflecting leg pain.(2)Lateral and small nucleus pulposus herniation and leg pain is the major symptom.(3)Discography is positive.