Percutaneous laser disc decompression: an update--Spring 1992.

Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) is being performed in multiple centers in the United States, Germany, Austria, France, and Switzerland with the Nd:YAG having the longest follow up at more than 75 months. The experience with this procedure, in both humans and animals, carried out over the past decade is presented along with a detailed discussion of the surgical procedure. Conditions that favor such surgery and contraindications to the procedure are also presented. There are a number of important advantages to PLDD that make it a procedure that merits continued investigation. Because PLDD is relatively noninvasive, it can be repeated. Because there is no cutting, there is no perispinal scar formation, with possible future pain secondary to entrapment of nerves by scar. Because of its effectiveness for treatment, the laser, in this application, should prove to be an important addition to the spinal surgeon's armamentarium.