What is Discolysis?
Discolysis is a novel technique used in patients suffering from the effects of a herniated disc who do not respond to conservative and analgesic treatment. It is a procedure that does not require surgery and is performed by direct injection of ozone into the herniated disc under fluoroscopic imaging.
One of the main advantages is that it does not require the patient to be hospitalized, so he can leave on his own two hours after the treatment has been infiltrated. In addition, it is a procedure that can be complemented with other methods such as growth factors, which help to reabsorb the hernia by releasing the radicular compression and repairing the affected disc.
Why is it performed?
Discolysis is used when a patient with a herniated disc does not respond to conventional treatment. By means of this procedure, the radicular compression is released and the affected disc is repaired with advantages that traditional surgery cannot provide.
Some of the benefits for which many specialists in Traumatology prefer to treat their patients by means of a Discolysis are:
- Minimal chance of recurrence
- No hospitalization required
- No scarring
- Since the bone structure is not touched, there is no risk of spinal instability.
- Minimally invasive procedure, it is performed percutaneously.
- Possibility of returning to daily activities 12 hours after the intervention.
- Regeneration and hydration of the cartilage is achieved.
Discolisis is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of a herniated disc.
What does it consist of?
Dyskolysis is performed by direct injection of ozone into the herniated disc under fluoroscopic imaging. The injected ozone causes an oxidation in the mucopolysaccharides that form the nucleus pulposus, constituent of the hernia, disperses the water of its structures and improves the cellular metabolism of the environment. With this, the volume of the nucleus pulposus is reduced, favoring its healing, the hernia decreases in size and, sometimes, it can even disappear.
Ozone has an analgesic effect on the nerve fibers that innervate the dura mater and the roots that emerge, so that favors the venous plexus that occurs when there is irritation and muscle compression, ie, has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Preparation for Discolysis
Before undergoing a Discolysis procedure, it is necessary for the specialist to perform an MRI to evaluate the situation. Subsequently, other diagnostic techniques may be used, such as chest X-rays, an electrocardiogram, a complete blood count, a test to analyze clotting times and fasting blood sugar, among others.
As for the patient, it is not necessary to follow specific guidelines to undergo the intervention, since it is a minimally invasive procedure and the same day the patient can return to normal daily activities.
Post-procedure care
After a Discolysis it is possible that the patient may feel some discomfort due to the injection, although the pain will disappear within a few hours. As this is a minimally invasive procedure with a recovery time of about 12 hours, it is not necessary for the patient to follow any specific care after the intervention. The specialist may recommend exercises to strengthen the back and be careful when performing activities such as excessive weight bearing.
Alternatives to this treatment
Discolysis is currently one of the most innovative procedures for the treatment of pathologies such as disc herniation. It can be complemented with other methods such as growth factors to maximize results, although it will always be on a case-by-case basis.