Clinical experience with automated percutaneous discectomy: the Nucleotome system.

The Nucleotome system was used to treat contained herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine over a 2-year period. The results were categorized as successful or unsuccessful according to patient perception and anticipated result. The overall success rate was 79%; 93% in private pay and 65% in workers' compensation. The causes of failure were three free fragments not identified in the preoperative scanning technique and 10 cases with significant back pain failing to respond to percutaneous techniques. Overall, percutaneous lumbar discectomy is believed to be an acceptable treatment technique for those patients with contained herniated nucleus pulposus.