Comprehensive comparison of therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency target disc decompression and nucleoplasty for lumbar disc herniation: a five?year follow-up

摘要

Abstract Purpose To compare the therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency target disc decompression(TDD) and nucleoplasty for lumbar disc herniation. Methods Two hundred sixty patients with lumbar disc herniation were divided into two groups: target disc decompression group (group T, n ?=?147) and nucleoplasty group (group N, n ?=?113). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional rating index (FRI) were measured at one, three, six, 12, 24, and 60?months after the surgery. Hospitalization time, operation time, complications, and recurrence/invalid were compared between the two groups. Results Compared with the pre-operation, the VAS and FRI in both groups were significantly decreased in post-operation( P ? Conclusions Both TDD and nucleoplasty can reduce pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation and improve quality of life. Group N had shorter hospitalization and operation time than group T.