A Miminally Invasive Treatment Option for Back Pain
Introduction (conditions it treats):
The Disc-FX® System is an innovative, minimal access spine system designed 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® features a patented navigational device called Trigger-Flex,® which was specifically designed to help clean the disc and seal tears in the annulus. The Trigger-Flex® emits a specific form of Radiowave energy used since 1950 in delicate surgical procedures. Unlike any other surgical energy source, the patented Radiowave energy pioneered by Dr. Irving Ellman, produces specific tissue effects to help eliminate the predetermined ‘pain generating’ aspect(s) of the disc.
Who is a Candidate for the Procedure?
Patients with symptomatic, contained lumbar disc herniations that have not responded to conservative treatment, may experience relief from the use of Disc-FX®. Typical signs of a contained lumbar disc herniation is lower back pain or pain radiating down the leg accompanied by some lower back pain. Disc-FX® may not be beneficial for advanced degenerative disc disease or spinal fractures.
Potential benefits of the Procedure:
- Out-Patient Procedure
- Minor Skin Incision
- Short Procedure Time
- Multiple Treatment Options
- Local Anesthetic
- Targeted Access to Damaged (Diseased) Area
- Treat Multiple Disc Levels
- Quick Relief of Symptoms
- Earlier Return to Normal Activities
- Minimal Tissue Damage
- Preserves all additional surgical options, should they be needed
What to do before procedure:
Medical evaluation includes a physical exam. Diagnostic tests such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), steroid injection, or discography may be conducted to diagnose and locate the symptomatic disc herniation and determine if the procedure if appropriate.
What to expect from the procedure:
The Disc-FX® System requires the patient to lie on their stomach throughout the procedure. Minimal anesthesia requirements are typically necessary. A needle is inserted into the skin near the affected disc level, followed by a working ‘tube’ into the disc. Graspers are used to manually remove and decompress the offending herniation. The patented Trigger-Flex® is then activated to help clean the disc and seal tears in the annulus. At the conclusion of the procedure, the ‘tube’ is removed and a small bandage is applied
What to do after the procedure:
All patients post-procedure for Disc FX must follow the directions provided to you by West Michigan Surgery Center. The directions provide you with standard of care post-procedure quidelines to ensure a complete recovery from the procedure.
1. No leaning forward at all for 1 month. This is sometimes referred to as bending-do Not do it.
2. Lay down for the whole day of the procedure. You may get up to go to restroom, but no bearing down for bowel movements. No sitting.
3. Day 2 lay around mainly, but you can be up and around to some extent in the house. You may have significant to intense back pain. No sitting.
4. Day 3 get out to walk about 10 minutes slowly in a safe level surface. Every day thereafter double the time and/or distance.
5. From day 3 until day 30, you need to not sit for more than 30 minutes at a time. After sitting for this time, you must get up and walk or lay down for 5-10 minutes before sitting again.
6. The time off work will vary for different people. Ask you doctor.
7. Your doctor may start you in Physical Therapy around week 3. You will start with aquatic therapy. Aquatic therapy will be 3 times a week with spinal stabilization.
8. Pain management post-procedure will be:
a. Celebrex 200mg bid for 4 days
b. Dilaudid 4 mg every 4 hours for 48hrs than 1 tablet every 6 hours for 7 days
c. Neurontin 600mg every has for 14 days.
Any possible complications:
As with any other minimally invasive disc treatments, side effects of Disc-FX® are relatively rare and should be discussed with your physician.