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Disc Annuloplasty

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Disc Annuloplasty

Disc Annuloplasty

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Disc annuloplasty is a procedure designed to address chronic back pain caused by damaged or degenerative intervertebral discs. This treatment specifically targets the outer layer of the disc to repair tears, strengthen the disc, and alleviate pain.

Offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open spinal surgery, annuloplasty reduces recovery time and provides significant pain relief for many patients.

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How Does Disc Annuloplasty Work?

Disc annuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that utilises radiofrequency energy to apply heat directly through a catheter to the damaged intervertebral discs. This heat targets and destroys pain-transmitting nerve fibres within the annulus, aids in sealing annular tears, and enhances the stability of the spinal disc.

What Conditions Can the Disc Annuloplasty Procedure Treat?

Annuloplasty is used to treat discogenic back pain caused by the degeneration or tears in the annulus of the intervertebral disc.

What Happens During Annuloplasty Treatment?

Annuloplasty typically takes approximately 60 minutes.


Patient Positioning


You will be comfortably positioned on the treatment table, usually lying on your stomach. The area of your back where the annuloplasty procedure will be performed will be cleaned and sterilised.


Guided Needle Insertion


Using X-ray guidance, a thin needle advanced into the affected disc. To ensure your comfort during the annuloplasty procedure, local anaesthetic is used to numb the area.


Annuloplasty


With the needle properly positioned within the disc annulus, a catheter is advanced around the inside of the disc and controlled heat is applied to effectively treat the annular tear.


Monitoring and Safety


Throughout the procedure, your doctor will monitor your comfort and the progress of the annuloplasty treatment using X-ray imaging.


Completion and Removal


After the annuloplasty treatment, the needles are removed, and a small bandage is applied to the injection site. You will be briefly monitored before being allowed to go home.

Annuloplasty Post-Procedure Expectations

While annuloplasty offers a less invasive approach to treating back pain, it is important to have realistic expectations about the recovery process. After an annuloplasty, patients typically encounter the following:


  • Initial Discomfort: Pain relief may not be immediate, and you might experience some increased discomfort in the first few days following the procedure.

  • Post-Operative Care: Your doctor will give you detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your recovery needs, including gentle exercises and stretches, physical therapy, and restrictions on certain activities.

  • Long-Term Recovery: Full recovery from annuloplasty can take several months.

  • Follow-Up Care: Adhering to your doctor's recommendations is crucial for optimal healing and long-term pain relief.

Risks and Side Effects of Annuloplasty Spine Treatment

Annuloplasty is generally a very safe procedure with a low risk of serious complications. However, similar to other procedures like Radiofrequency Ablation and sciatica pain treatment, there are potential risks and side effects to be aware of. These may include:


  • Temporary increased pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
Meet Our Doctor
The Pain Clinic - Pain Management
Pain Management
The Pain Clinic - Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia
Learn more
The Pain Clinic The Pain Clinic - Dr. Ho Kok Yuen

Dr. Ho Kok Yuen

MBBS, MMed (Anaes), FAMS (Anaes), GDSM (Sports Med)
Specialist, Pain Management & Anaesthesiology

Dr Ho Kok Yuen is a specialist in pain medicine and anaesthesia. He completed his pain management fellowship at Duke University Hospital in the USA in 2006. He is involved in teaching and research and also serves on numerous advisory boards. Besides writing articles in peer-reviewed journals, clinical practice and consensus guidelines, as well as book chapters on pain and anaesthesia, he lectures at international conferences and teaches at interventional pain workshops frequently.



Dr Ho Kok Yuen obtained his MBBS and Master of Medicine (Anaesthesiology) from the National University of Singapore. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (GDSM) from the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMed) at Nanyang Technological University.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Disc Annuloplasty

Does a disc annuloplasty hurt?

You may feel some manageable and temporary discomfort during the annuloplasty procedure, particularly when the heat is applied to the disc. However, local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, and you may also receive sedation to help you relax.

What is the difference between annuloplasty, nucleoplasty and biacuplasty?

These are all minimally invasive procedures used to treat disc-related back pain, but they target different parts of the disc:

  • Annuloplasty treats the outer layer of the disc (annulus fibrosus).
  • Nucleoplasty removes a small portion of the inner core of the disc (nucleus pulposus).
  • Biacuplasty is a type of annuloplasty that uses bipolar radiofrequency energy to treat pain. It operates under the same principles as traditional annuloplasty.

How long do the effects of annuloplasty spine treatment last?

The effects of annuloplasty treatment can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. While annuloplasty is usually a one-time treatment, it can be repeated if new annular tears develop, ensuring continued pain management.

What are the alternatives to disc annuloplasty?

Disc biacuplasty is another minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to target and disable the small nerves in the annulus that transmit pain signals. It's often used for discogenic pain caused by small tears or degeneration in the disc. I

Insurance and Health
Network Coverage

We work with various insurance partners to assist with your hospitalisation and surgery claims. In some instances, pre-approval from your insurer allows direct billing between the hospital and insurer so that you will have peace of mind during your annuloplasty treatment. We are MOH-accredited so you may also utilise MediSave for your hospitalisation expenses.

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