Automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy in patients suffering from prolapsed intervertebral disc: a prospective study

ABSTRACT

Background: A variety of minimally invasive techniques [chemonucleolysis, laser, automated percutaneous discectomy, percutaneous manual nucleotomy] have been invented over the years, as treatment of low back pain related to disc disease. Automated percutaneous lumbar dissectomy [APLD], being one of these techniques, is a modality in which removal of nucleus pulposus, reduces intradiscal pressure thus relieves the nerve root compression and subsequently reduces radicular pain. This technique was introduced by Onik in 1985, referred to as 'automated' since it involves a mechanical probe, working by a 'suction and cutting action for removal of the nucleus pulposus