Percutaneous Disc Decompression

Percutaneous Disc Decompression (PDD) is a disc decompression method that works by removing disc tissue and reducing the internal pressure in a herniated disc. Reducing the pressure creates a partial vacuum that enables the disc to suck the herniation inside and reabsorb the tissue. This procedure is primarily used to remove disc tissue and to decrease pressure in a herniated disc. Part of the central disc, the nucleus pulposus, is removed, reducing pressure and allowing the herniation to recede back into the disc where healing can occur.

The bulging or herniated disc is diagnosed using an MRI, discography, CT scan, or myleograph. You should be mentally motivated and have severe back and/or leg pain before you decide to go ahead with this procedure. As with any medical procedure, this procedure cannot be performed if you have an active infection, the flu, a cold, a fever, or very high blood pressure. You must inform the physician if you experience any of these symptoms.

PDD is an outpatient procedure. An IV is started to give you medication that will help you relax. Then, under x-ray visualization, a needle is inserted into the outer layer of the disc. The Disc Decompresser in then inserted through the needle, and the disc tissue is removed. This decreases the internal pressure of the disc, allowing it to re-absorb the herniated portion.

Following the procedure, you will be bandaged and moved to Recovery for a short wait. You are then instructed to rest for a full 24 hours.

The procedure is very safe because this is a minimally invasive procedure with no cutting, scarring, or associated muscle or bone damage. Because there is only a tiny amount of disc vaporized, there is no subsequent spinal instability. Most people will be able to return to work in 1–2 weeks with the following restrictions:

• No bending
• No lifting over 10 lbs. for the first 6 weeks; limit to 25 lbs. for 6-12 weeks
• No activities requiring rotation of the spine
• Limit sitting to 30–45 minutes at any one time for the first 6 weeks; standing and walking as tolerated