Figure 1
MR of lumbosacral spine showing herniation on level L5–S1.
Figure 2
Fluoroscopic image during DiscoGel® application on level L5–S1.
Figure 3
MR control 27 months after application of DiscoGel® showing marked reduction of herniation on level L5–S1.
Table 1
The No. of levels treated in patients with herniated discs
| Single level | Two levels | Three levels | Four levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 pts (55.5%) | 27 pts (32.5%) | 9 pts (10.8%) | 1 pt (1.2%) |
| (C -10 pts/ L-36 pts) | (C- 3 pts/ L-24 pts) | (C- 3 pts/ L-6 pts) | (L- 1 pt) |
[i] C = cervical spine; L = lumbar spine; pt = patient; ptc = patients
Table 2
The distribution of most commonly affected spine segments
| Lumbar spine | L4–L5 (45 pts; 67.2%) | L5–S1 (30 pts, 44.8%) |
| Cervical spine | C5–C6 (11 pts, 69%) | C3–C4/ C6–C7 (5 pts, 31%) |
[i] C = cervical spine; L = lumbar spine; ptc = patients
Figure 4
Reduction of VAS score during observational period- the difference is statistically significant already 1 month after treatment (p < 0,001).
m = month(s),
Table 3
Mean VAS reduction (radicular pain in parenthesis)
| CERVICAL SPINE | LUMBAR SPINE | |
|---|---|---|
| Prior to therapy | 8.6 (8,0) | 8,5 (8,0) |
| After 1 month | 4.1 ( no data) | 4,5 (3,7) |
| After 6 months | 3,8 (6,3) | 3,7 (3,3) |
| After 1 year | 3,9 (7,3) | 2.8 (2,6) |
| After 2 years | 3,7 (6,8) | 2.6 (2,4) |
| After 3 years | 3,9 (7,3) | 2,4 (2,1) |
[i] VAS = visual analog scale
Table 4
Mean physical activity
| Serious limitations | Moderate limitations | Mild limitations | No limitations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prior to therapy | 38/59 (64.4%) | 19/59 (32.2%) | 2/59 (3.4%) | 0 |
| 6 months after | 3/59 (5.1%) | 22/59 (37.3%) | 26/59(44.1%) | 8/59 (13.5%) |
| After 1 year | 2/59 (3.4%) | 15/59 (25.4%) | 32/59(54.2%) | 10/59 (16.9%) |
Table 5
The use of analgesics after the treatment
| Lesser usage | Equal usage | More usage |
|---|---|---|
| 46/59 (78%) | 10/59 (16.9%) | 3/59 (5.1%) |
Table 6
Satisfaction with the treatment
| Extremely satisfied | Very satisfied | Moderately satisfied | Not satisfied |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35/59 (59.3%) | 16/59 (27.1%) | 5/59 (8.5%) | 3/59 (5.1%) |