Thirty-five clinical cases received laser disc ablation utilizing a uniplanar fluoroscopically guided percutaneous technique over a three year period. With the dog in right lateral recumbency, uniplanar fluoroscopy was utilized to guide the placement of 20- gauge, 2.5 inch spinal needles percutaneously through the left epaxial soft tissues into the nucleus pulposus with the dog in right lateral recumbency. The needle was advanced in increments following palpation and brief fluoroscopic observations to insure avoidance of the spinal cord and other vital structures. Entrance into the intervertebral disc was identified by a characteristic `gritty' feel of the needle passing through the annulus fibrosus. The dog was then placed in sternal recumbency, and the needles adjusted to place the tip approximately one-third of the distance into the disc. The laser fiber was then placed through the needle into the nucleus pulposus to ablate the nucleus with holmium laser energy. No detrimental side effects of this technique have been identified with the exception of one case. This single exception suggests that this procedure should not be performed on dogs with acute disc herniation. The technique appears safe given adherence to careful placement of the spinal needles and proper clinical criteria for patient selection.
展开▼
