Percutaneous lumbar discectomy using a new nucleotome system. Report of 182 cases.

One hundred eight-two patients underwent percutaneous lumbar discectomy using a new nucleotome system. The curative and effective rates were 84.6% and 89.6% respectively, without serious complications. To overcome the difficulty of puncture and cutting the nucleus pulposus at L5-S1 interspace, an efficient approach was undertaken to drill through the iliac wing at L5-S1 using a self-designed circular drill so that the nucleotome could safely reach L5-S1 disc, the successful rate was 100%. By varying the distance and angle of puncture, it is possible to treat central type of lumbar disc herniation, thereby expanding the indications for this procedure.