A minimally Invasive Treatment Option for Back Pain

A novel Percutaneous Disc procedure

Disc FX System Overview

The Disc FX System is an innovative, minimal access spine system to efficiently access the damaged disc without injury to surrounding disc anatomy. Disc FX permits multiple treatment options compared to other ‘single treatment’ devices in the marketplace. In addition to manual decompression, Disc FX can help to clean the disc and seal tears in the annulus. Disc FX provides an option for those people who have failed conservative care, and are not yet ready for major surgery. This is a same day procedure with only a small bandage and no large incisions. Following manual removal of the offending herniation, the Trigger- Flex device is activated to help clean the disc and seal the tears in the annulus. As a result, pressure in the disc is reduced, which eases symptoms.

Who is a candidate for the procedure ?

Patients with symptomatic contained disc herniations that have not responded to conservative treatment, may experience relief from Disc FX. Typical signs of a contained lumbar disc herniation is lower back with or without radiation symptoms of numbness and tingling down the legs.

Potential Benefits of the Procedure

• Out patient procedure
• Short Procedure times
• Minimally invasive procedure
• MInimal incision
• Can treat multiple disc levels
• Quick relief of symptoms
• Prevent having surgery with large open incisions.

Prior to the Procedure

• Physical exam and diagnostic testing of MRI should be conducted.
• Patient has failed conservative care including medications, physical therapy, or spinal injection therapy.
• On certain occasions a discography may be necessary to diagnose and locate the symptomatic disc herniation.

During the Procedure

The Disc Fx system require the patient to lie prone on their stomach. Minimal anesthesia with IV sedation may be necessary. A needle is inserted into the skin near the affected disc level, followed by an incision through which a slightly (larger than the needle) hollow tube is placed. Graspers are inserted through the tube and used to manually remove and decompress the interior of the disc which is herniated and and causing pressure against the nerve. The patented trigger-Flex can then be used to help clean the disc and seal the tears in the annulus. This will intern reduce the overall pressure inside of the disc which eases pain symptoms. At the conclusion of the procedure, once the annulus is sealed, the tube is removed and a small bandage is applied.

After the Procedure

Patients are required to remain at the facility for 30 minutes to an hour for recovery. Upon release, patients are driven home by the surgery center. Patient should rest for one to three days with limited standing and walking. There may be soreness or bruising at the site of the procedure for up to a week. In most cases, symptoms caused by the disc herniation are gone or decreased within two weeks. After one week of the procedure, patient should return back to physical therapy, which is important for full recovery. Patient can return to work after 3-5 days depending upon the patient’s recovery.

Are there any complications with the Procedure ?

As with any minimally invasive disc treatments, side effects of the Disc FX are relatively rare. This is very safe procedure because patients are monitored with live nerve monitoring to ensure the safety of the patient and prevent any complications.