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William A. Liebler, M.D., P.C.
New York, N.Y. 10021
212.734.7477
Laser Disc Decompression & General Orthopaedics
Dr. Liebler performing Laser Disc Decompression
Dr. Liebler performing Laser Disc Decompression
A simple method of relieving painful sciatica
A simple method of relieving painful sciatica
After thirty five years of conventional surgery for relieving pain from a bulging disc a simple method evolved starting in 1984.
If the pain experienced by the patient is that of back pain going down the leg and tests such as a MRI shows that the disc is bulging but not herniated they may be a candidate for this type of procedure.
If a neurological examination plus a MRI show that we are working with a contained disc that is not ruptured, percutaneous decompression may be the answer.
There are several methods that place needles into the disc but the simplest to date is the one that was developed after four to five years of research. By placing a needle into the disc at a fortyfive degree angle using novacaine a silicon optical fiber can be inserted into the disc. When this is done the fiber is attached to a KTP532 Laser and energy is transmitted into the disc causing the loss of water and some of the central part of the disc which is soft and responds to lasering. In this area of needle placment there are no vital structures that are dangerous to the vertebral column, as exiting nerves or blood vessels. By decreasing the pressure in the disc it shrinks and pulls the offending bulge off the nerve root decreasing the pain totally or enough that there is some residual pain.The pain is usually bearable such that the patient can get back to work with minimal surgical intervention except a needle and a bandaid for a dressing.
This is done on an ambulatory outpatient basis such that there is no hospitalization necessary.
The procedure takes about fifteen to thirty minutes and , two to three hours in the recovery room and then home. Operating time and hospitalization is kept to a minimum, patients that are surgical risks as those having heart trouble or a aging problem are not precluded from this procedure. There have been no major complications to date as infection, nerve damage or injury to a major blood vessel.
The procedure is done by board certified neurosurgeons or orthopaedic surgeons trained in this procedure, the procedure is not considered experimental and most insurance plans reimburse for the majority of the fee.
A carefully structured study is under way with the longest followup to date being seven years and the degree of success about 80% to date. This study will go on for a total of ten years and if the results remain the same this then will then be a viable method of disc decompression. Major surgery will be avoided and also its associated problems, if surgery is necessary this procedure does in no manner interfere with the usual surgical methods.
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See Dr. Liebler's Vita
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See Dr. Liebler's Vita
Member of the Internet Link Exchange