[Percutaneous nucleotomy with discoscopy. 7 years' experience and results]

Abstract

Percutaneous nucleotomy was first described in 1975 by Hijikata in Japan. We introduced this method since 1979 for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the University of Zürich, Balgrist, improved the original instruments of Hijikata and employ since 1982 various arthroscopes in order to remove nucleus pulposus more accurately and effectively under direct visual control (discoscope). This method was performed between 1979 and 1986 in our clinic in 75 patients with lumbar disc herniation. The clinical result was designated as excellent or good in 48 of 75 patients (65%). The 7 years experiences with this procedure are reported on this paper.