FAQs for Patients:
Q: What symptoms can be treated?
A: The procedure treats those who suffer from a contained disc herniation that has not responded to conservative care. Plasma Disc Decompression is not useful for severe degenerative disc disease or spinal fractures.

Q: What happens before the procedure?
A: Medical evaluation includes a physical exam. Diagnostic tests such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or discography may be conducted to diagnose and locate the symptomatic disc herniation and determine if the procedure is appropriate.

Q: How does the procedure work?
A: Plasma Disc Decompression requires the patient to lie on his/her stomach throughout the procedure (or back for treating the small discs). This is typically performed with minimal anesthesia requirements. A small surgical incision is made in the skin near the spine, and a small surgical port is inserted. The decompression device, called a SpineWand®, is then inserted through the port into the disc and activated to remove tissue. The device and the surgical port are removed and the small incision is covered with a surgical dressing.

Q: Will the procedure hurt?
A: Because Plasma Disc Decompression is a minimally invasive procedure done under anesthesia, there should be minimal pain. A patient may experience some discomfort or bruising where the small surgical port was inserted.

Q: What happens after the procedure?
A: Patients are required to remain for observation for one to two hours after the procedure. Typically, patients are then released to rest for one to three days with limited sitting or walking.

Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: The total procedure time is generally between 15 minutes to 1 hour.

Q: What physician training is required to perform this procedure?
A: Generally the physician will have specialized in neurosurgery, orthopedic spine surgery or orthopedic surgery. The procedure is also performed by physicians specializing in interventional pain management or interventional radiology. Physicians should be experienced with ArthroCare technology and be trained in the specific procedure.

Q: Can my symptoms be relieved?
A: In most cases, symptoms caused by the herniated disc are gone or diminished within weeks.
    ARTHROCARESPINE.COM | SEARCH THIS SITE  
© 2008 ArthroCare Corporation. All rights reserved.
ArthroCare.com | Legal