ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the value of MR imaging-guided percutaneous cervical discectomy and discolysis with oxygen-ozone mixture for treatment of cervical disc herniation.Methods Eight herniated cervical discs in 7 patients were diagnosed by MRI, including 5 discs of lateral protruding type, 2 discs of paramedian protruding type and one disc of central protruding type.All patients underwent MR imaging-guided percutaneous cervical discectomy and discolysis with oxygen-ozone mixture.The procedures were guided by a set of 0.23 T open MR system mounted with iPath 200 optical tracking system.The herniated portion of the disc was punctured with a 14 G MR-compatible needle in the healthy side via anterolateral oblique route.The interventional steps were as follows; firstly, cut herniated part with percutaneous discectomy probe and inject 2ml oxygen-ozone mixture of 60 μg/ml; secondly, retreat the needle to the disc center, resect nucleus pulposus, and inject 2 ml oxygen-ozone mixture of 60 μg/ml.All patients were followed up for 6 months, with 4 patients by telephone and 3 patients in outpatient clinic.The effect of treatment was evaluated according to Williams postoperative assessment standard.Results All procedures were performed successfully.The clinical outcome was evaluated as excellent in 5 cases, good in 1 case and fair in 1 case.The total ratio of excellent and good was 85.7%.No serious complication occurred expect 1 case with intraoperative paroxysmal pain.Conclusion MR imaging-guided percutaneous cervical discectomy and discolysis with oxygen-ozone mixture was a safe, effective and minimally invasive method for the treatment of cervical disc herniation.