Five and Ten Year Follow-up on Intradiscal Ozone Injection for Disc Herniation

• DOI: 10.14444/1017
• Publication Date: 2014-09-16T18:43:15Z
• Authors: Josip Buric; Luca Rigobello; David Hooper
• Keywords: Disc herniation; Discectomy; Lumbar disc herniation; Epidural steroid injection; Degenerative Disc Disease; Intervertebral Disc Displacement

<h3>Background</h3> Disc herniation is the most common cause for spinal surgery and many clinicians employ epidural steroid injections with limited success. Intradiscal injection of ozone gas has been used as an alternative to steroids surgical discectomy. Early results are positive but long-term data limited. <h3>Methods</h3> One hundred eight patients confirmed contiguous disc were treated intradiscal in 2002-2003. One-hundred seven available telephone follow-up at 5 years. Sixty a similar ten Patients asked describe their clinical outcome since injection. Surgical events documented. MRI images reviewed assess reduction six months. <h3>Results</h3> films demonstrated consistent size herniation. Seventy-nine percent had volume average was 56%. There 19 that ultimately 12 them occurred first months after these due another level. Two surgeries involved interspinous spacer indicated by stenosis or DDD. All other discectomies. Of avoided 82% improved years 88% 10 Other than subsequent surgeries, no spine-related complications experienced. <h3>Conclusions/Level Evidence</h3> We conclude safe effective approximately 75% benefit maintained through This retrospective review randomized trials needed. <h3>Clinical Relevance</h3> may enable address pain without multiple surgery. The durable does not preclude future options. risk reward profile this treatment favorable.