SpineJet™ Percutaneous HydroDiscectomy for Herniated Disc Treatment
The human backbone, or spine, consists of 26 bones called vertebrae. Between each vertebra lie rubbery, cushion-like pads called “intervertebral discs.” These discs help keep the vertebrae in place and act as shock absorbers.
A herniated disc can be a problematic and painful condition. Also called a slipped disc, a herniated disc is what happens when some of the fluid spinal “jelly” bursts out through a weak spot on the spinal disc, also known as an intervertebral disc. Spinal discs are filled with a soft, jelly-like center and a tougher exterior. This disc herniation commonly occurs in the low back but can also occur in the vertebrae of the neck. The leakage of this “jelly” releases chemicals that irritate nerves in the surrounding area and can cause significant pain. The disc herniation may also put pressure on nerves, causing back pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and pain, especially in the arm or leg.
Spinal discs lose some of their water content as a person ages. This reduction in fluid makes the discs less supple and more prone to splitting. It may not always possible to recall the exact time when a disc herniation happens, but often occurs when lifting objects improperly or after twisting while lifting a heavy item.
SpineJet™ Percutaneous HydroDiscectomy is an excellent solution for patients who haven’t seen success with more conservative treatments, like physical therapy, medication, or epidurals.
The SpineJet HydroDiscectomy System is an advanced, minimally-invasive approach to predictably and safely perform disc decompression procedures that can eliminate your pain, and help you avoid surgery. The procedure is called a hydrodiscectomy. A hydrodiscectomy is a safe and effective alternative to a much more invasive procedure, like discectomy. Hydrodiscectomy is a new fluidjet technology introduced for percutaneous discectomy.
Developed by HydroCision, Inc. in Billerica, Massachusetts, to provide s a less invasive alternative to traditional microdiscectomy, percutaneous hydrodiscectomy has proven to be an effective pain management solution for patients suffering from herniated discs.
How Does the SpineJet Procedure Treat a Herniated Disc?
Hydrodiscectomy procedure with SpineJet is a 20-30 minute, outpatient procedure. It can be performed right here in our clinic, and you can go home the very same day.
Devices specifically designed to use with SpineJet Hydrodiscectomy systems, such as SpineJet PercResector, MicroResector, and EndoResector, deliver a high-velocity stream of saline water at controlled velocities to remove disc nucleus while sparing outer annulus and vertebral endplates. This releases pressure on the nerves, providing effective pain relief. The procedure requires only a small, 4mm incision into the back, which can be closed with a bandage and leaves virtually no scar.
Is SpineJet an Effective Treatment Option?
SpineJet is remarkably effective, with proven results from rigorous clinical studies. In one study, patients reported a 94% improvement in back, and leg pain. In another study of 69 patients, 98% were satisfied with their results.
Hydrodisectomy is also much safer than traditional discectomy, which carries some risks of complication.
SpineJet vs Discectomy
SpineJet is less invasive, with fewer inherent risks and shorter recovery times than more traditional spinal surgery.
Traditional discectomy done by a spine surgeon or an orthopedic surgeon, requires general anesthesia, bone removal, and the use of lasers and other high-energy heating elements which may cause damage to nearby muscles, soft tissues, and nerves. Typically, recovery time from spinal surgery is 6-8 weeks.
SpineJet’s revolutionary high-speed water jet stream poses very little risk to the surrounding soft tissues. There’s no need to remove any bone, and no stitches are required. Most patients recover from SpineJet within one week.
A follow-up will be conducted for pain management and to monitor proper recovery
Who is a Good Candidate for SpineJet?
Good candidates for SpineJet are those who have tried more conservative treatments for a herniated disc, but still, haven’t found the relief they need.
You may find that you’re a good candidate for this procedure if:
Your disc disease symptoms are getting worse.
You’re showing signs of nerve damage from lumbar disc herniation.
You have no other complicating spinal conditions.
