Indications for PLDD (Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression)

PLDD is indicated for disc herniation or protrusion causing low back pain, with or without sciatic pain/sciatica, persisting for more than 6 weeks and not responding to conservative treatment (medication and physical therapy).

When PLDD Is Contraindicated

PLDD is contraindicated in the following situations:

● Completely extruded/sequestered disc herniation (no continuity with the parent disc).

● Calcified disc herniation (often better detected on CT than on MRI).

● Disc herniation associated with severe spinal canal stenosis.

● Moderate to significant intradiscal vacuum phenomenon (gas/air bubbles).

● Disc height loss greater than 40%.

● Patients over 80 years old with markedly dehydrated intervertebral discs.

● Tumors located near the disc to be treated.

● Active infection or bleeding/clotting disorders.

● Vertebral body hemangiomas adjacent to the disc to be treated, or fractures of those vertebrae.