The Principle Of PLDD

In the procedure of percutaneous laser disc decompression, laser energy is transmitted through a thin optical fiber into the disc.

The aim of PLDD is to vaporize a small portion of the inner core. The ablation of a relatively small volume of the inner core results in an important reduction of intra-discal pressure, thus inducing reduction of disc herniation.

PLDD is the minimally-invasive medical procedure developed by Dr. Daniel S.J. Choy in 1986 that uses a laser beam to treat back and neck pain caused by a herniated disc.

Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) is the utmost minimally invasive percutaneous laser techniquein the treatment of the disc hernias, cervical hernias, dorsal hernias(except for the segment T1-T5), and lumbar hernias. The procedureuses the laser energy to absorb the water within the herniated nucleuspulposus creating a decompression.

The PLDD treatment is performed on an outpatient basis using only local anesthesia. During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the herniated disc under x-ray or CT guidance. An optical fiber is inserted through the needle and laser energy is sent through the fiber, vaporizing a tiny portion of the disc nucleus. This creates a partial vacuum which draws the herniation away from the nerve root, thereby relieving the pain. The effect usually is immediate.