Rapid correction of neurologic deficits by percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD)

J Clin Laser Med Surg. 1996 Feb;14(1):13-5. doi: 10.1089/clm.1996.14.13.

Abstract

Immediate correction of neurologic deficits due to herniated disc disease following percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) has not previously been reported. In a review of 182 cases of herniated intervertebral disc disease with radicular pain syndromes, the author observed a high percentage of return of absent ankle and knee jerk reflexes, return of straight leg raising to normal, and a change of the characteristic rolling to one side, bending the knees, and propping up with the hands as the usual maneuver to change from a supine to a sitting position ("Choy sign") to an ability to sit up directly by trunk flexion, immediately, and at 1 day after PLDD. The neurophysiologic implications are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Decompression, Surgical / instrumentation
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / surgery*
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / surgery*
  • Postoperative Period
  • Reflex / physiology
  • Reflex, Abnormal
  • Sciatica / etiology
  • Sciatica / surgery
  • Time Factors