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01-02-2022 | Back Pain | Original Article

Biological non-ablative repair of lumbar discs by transforaminal intradiscal laser irradiation: MRI quantitative analysis of the effects—preliminary report

Authors: Igor Borshchenko, Emil Sobol, Anatoly Shekhter, Andrey Baskov, Andrey Grin, Maria Borshchenko

Published in: Lasers in Medical Science | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Degenerative disc disease is a significant reason for low back pain. Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) of cartilage results in its reshaping and combines with regenerative reaction. A certain pattern of lumbar disc irradiation induces healing reaction and formation of new cartilage. Quantitative MRI analysis of regenerative response of the cartilage is the subject of this investigation. Fifty-one lumbar discs of 28 patients with discogenic low back pain underwent irradiation with 1.56-μm Er fiber laser (1.2 W). Quantitative MRI analysis is performed in STIR regime within 0.93–14.80 months. Signal intensity is estimated from irradiated discs and control measured from adjacent non-irradiated discs and vertebral bones. T2 WI follow-up is performed within a long period (up to 5 years) in selected cases. The mean value of MRI signal intensity from the irradiated discs increased by 14% (p <<< 0.001). The control bone measurement revealed no difference in signal intensity (p = 0.83). The adjacent non-irradiated discs slightly increased their signal (p < 0.05). T2 WI follow-up within 5 years revealed a steady increase of the signal and the irradiated discs healing. LLLI of degenerated intervertebral discs by 1.56-μm Er fiber laser produces increase of MRI disc signal within the first year after treatment that confirms regenerative response of the disc and could lay in the basis of clinical improvement. Further assessment on the effect is mandatory.

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Title: Biological non-ablative repair of lumbar discs by transforaminal intradiscal laser irradiation: MRI quantitative analysis of the effects—preliminary report
Authors: Igor Borshchenko
Emil Sobol
Anatoly Shekhter
Andrey Baskov
Andrey Grin
Maria Borshchenko
Publication date: 01-02-2022
Publisher: Springer London
Keywords: Back Pain
Back Pain
Laser
Back Pain
Published in: Lasers in Medical Science / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 0268-8921
Electronic ISSN: 1435-604X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-020-03191-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Biological non-ablative repair of lumbar discs by transforaminal intradiscal laser irradiation: MRI quantitative analysis of the effects—preliminary report

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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