Christian Jrgen Seebauer1, Jens Rump2,
Hermann Josef Bail3, Felix Gttler2, Bernd Hamm2,
Carsten Perka, Christian Gross, Ulf Teichgrber2
1Center for Musculoskeletal
Surgery, Charit-Universittsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; 2Department
of Radiology, Charit-Universittsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; 3Department
of Trauma & Orthopedic Surgery, Clinic Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
In recent years, a number of minimally invasive nuclear decompression techniques for lumbar disc prolapse have been introduced. Partial removal of the nucleus has been shown to decompress herniated discs, relieving pressure on nerve roots and, in some cases, offering relief from disc pain. Most spine procedures have traditionally been performed using fluoroscopic or CT guidance. With the increasing role of MRI in diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions, clinicians have been eager to explore the possibility of using MR guidance for musculoskeletal procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and practice of MR-guided percutaneous lumbar mechanical disc decompression in an experimental setting in 3 human cadavers.