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With traumatic injury, or conditions that cause a disc to lose its normal shape, the “gel” in the center of the disc is squeezed like the jelly in the center of a donut.
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As such, the jelly (“nucleus”) in the center of the disc is held firmly in position by strong fibers in the shape of a ring that help to maintain the disc in its normal position (the “annulus” or ring).
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The ring can have a laxity or looseness where the natural ‘firmness” of the disc can be lost- similar to sagging of a face with aging.
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The ring can have a partial or complete tear- leading to the jelly pushing on the nerve in the spine- Disc Herniation.
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With the eDisc Sculpt technique, a small microscope or endoscope is inserted through a small cut in the back
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With the microscope the sagging disc or torn disc is seen in a very magnified view.
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Specialized instruments such as small graspers, drill or nerve hooks are then used through the microscope to carefully sculpt the disc, similar to what a plastic surgeon does to sculpt the face during a facelift.
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Only damaged disc jelly material is removed, leaving healthy disc tissue in place
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Finally, either a laser or a cooled radiofrequency probe is used to “tighten” the loose disc to regain the natural “firmness” of a normal disc.
ADVANTAGES of eDiscSculpt Technique:
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Outpatient procedure.
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Back muscles are not cut thus maintaining core stability
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No metal is inserted
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Multiple levels can be treated.
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All levels of the spine can be treated.
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Use of the laser can destroy nerve endings that are known to cause pain