What is the Disc-FX® System?
Elliquence Disc-FX® is an innovative and minimally invasive system designed to effectively treat degenerative disc disease and disc herniations to reduce back pain. It efficiently accesses the damaged disc without injury to surrounding disc anatomy. The elliquence Disc-FX® System safely, rapidly and effectively performs minimally invasive discectomy procedures for contained lumbar spine herniations. A minimally invasive technique that combines percutaneous discectomy, nucleus ablation, and annulus modulation.
It also permits multiple treatment options compared to other ‘single treatment’ devices available today. Disc-FX® features a patented navigational device called Trigger-Flex® Bipolar System which was specifically designed to access and treat the diseased portion(s) of the disc.
In the past, patients who did not respond wells to conservative treatments, such as steroid injections, for back pain were forced to live with the symptoms or consider major spine surgery. Invasive spine surgery can take weeks or months to recover from, causing major disruptions in their daily lives. This is not the case with Disc-FX®.
Is Disc-Fx® Right for You?
If conservative treatments for your back pain have not been successful and you are not ready for major surgery, Disc-FX® may be an option for you. Disc-FX® is a minimally invasive procedure, allowing patients to go home the same day as the procedure with a just a small bandage on their back. The Disc-FX procedure is at least equivalent to other minimally invasive spine procedures with the pursuit of avoiding open surgical procedures.
Patients with symptoms of lumbar disc herniations that have not responded to conservative treatment options may benefit the experience of pain relief from a Disc-FX® procedure. A typical sign of a contained lumbar disc herniation is lower back pain or pain radiating down the leg accompanied by lower back pain.
Prior to the procedure, complete physical examination and medical history will include a comprehensive history and physical exam. Diagnostic tests such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), steroid injection, or discography will be used to diagnose and locate the symptomatic disc herniation and determine if Disc-FX® is appropriate.
Disc-FX is an effective treatment option
As we age, our bodies undergo many changes. For example, our hair may begin to turn gray or thin. Similar gradual changes affect the spine’s structures, notably the intervertebral discs. Early disc degeneration may not cause severe pain or other symptoms, but when the degeneration becomes advanced low back pain may occur. This is discogenic pain.
Normally, discogenic pain is associated with activities that increase the pressure within the intervertebral disc (called intradiscal pressure). Discogenic low back pain is usually a chronic disorder.
Sitting, bending forward, coughing and sneezing can cause discogenic pain
Leg pain caused by pinching of the nerves in the low back (called radiculopathy) may also accompany low back discogenic pain; especially while sitting, standing or walking.
Pressure onto the spinal mellus or nerve roots within the backbone by protruding or prolapsed discs may cause deep-rooted back pain.
If you suffer from discogenic pain or experience pain with lumbar herniation, Disc-FX® procedure may improve your quality of life. Disc-FX® may not be beneficial for advanced degenerative disc disease or spinal fractures. Your doctor will evaluate and determine if you are a suitable candidate that may benefit from the Disc-FX® procedure.
As with any other minimally invasive disc treatments, Disc-FX® side effects are rare and the subject will be addressed with Nuvo specialists.
Benefits of the Disc-FX Procedure
Performed on out-patient basis
Smaller surgical incision than traditional surgery
Reduced procedure time
Multiple treatment options
Performed under local anesthetic
Preserves all other surgical options, should they ever be needed.
Targeted access to damaged area
Treat multiple disc levels
Fast relief of symptoms
Quicker return to normal activities
Minimal tissue damage
Rare and minimal side effects
What to Expect During the Procedure
Minimal anesthesia is common. The patient lies on their stomach and a spinal needle is inserted into the skin near the affected disc. An incision is made and the working ‘tube’ is inserted. Graspers are used to manually decompress and remove the offending herniation. The patented Trigger-Flex® can then be used to help clean the disc and seal tears in the annulus. The ‘tube’ is removed at the end of the procedure and a small bandage is placed over the sutures.
What to Expect After the Procedure
One to two hours following the procedure, patients are required to stay at the facility for observation. For the first few days post-procedure, patients will have limited sitting and walking and may experience some discomfort or bruising at the incision site. You will be monitored with follow-up appointments with our specialists.
Physical therapy is critical in the healing process and typically begins one-week post procedure. Symptoms caused by the disc herniation are typically gone or reduced within two weeks.
Activity Guidelines Following the Procedure
One – three days following the procedure: plan to rest in a comfortable position lying down or reclined with your head tilted up, a pillow under you knee and hip bent comfortably. An ice pack is often recommended during this time.
First week: Limit sitting and walking to 10- 20 minutes, slowly increase in the second week and beyond. Remember that walking is good for your back but 3 shorts walks are better than one longer one.
First two weeks: LSO brace must be worn to help avoid re-herniation. No long distance driving.
Limit Lifting to:
5 pounds the first two weeks
10 pounds for weeks 3-6 weeks
25 pounds for weeks 2-12 weeks
