Abstract:

Objective To compare the clinical effects of low⁃temperature plasma nucleoplasty with different number of puncture channels in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Methods 45 patients who had received low ⁃temperature plasma nucleoplasty patients were selected as research objects，and randomly divided into three groups（group 1 for 2⁃channel group，group 2 for 4⁃channel group，and group 3 for 6⁃channel group）. The VAS score，ODI lumbar dysfunction score，PPI pain intensity score，modified Macnab score，and degree of satisfaction were used for assessing the preoperative and postoperative pain level and the clinical efficacy. Results The surgical procedures were successfully performed in 45 patients and no adverse reactions occurred. As compared with the baselines，the VAS scores were significantly decreased in the three groups on postoperative day 1，week 1，and months 1 and 3（P < 0.01），but they declined more significantly in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1（F = 4.219， P < 0.01）；the ODI score was significantly decreased in the three groups（P < 0.01），and it was decreased more significantly in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1（F = 3.413，P < 0.01）；the PPI score was significantly decreased in the three groups（P < 0.05），and there were no significant differences in the degree of PPI decline among the three groups at each time point（F = 1.327，P = 0.233）；the modified MacNAB score and satisfaction degree were all higher in the three groups three months after surgery，and there were no significant differences（P > 0.05）. Conclusions Considering the postoperative pain relief and functional recovery of the lumbar spine，surgical com⁃ plexity and potential injury in patients receiving low⁃temperature plasma nucleoplasty，we suggest the four⁃channel surgical approach should be selected for the treatment of lower limb neuralgia caused by lumbar disc herniation. 

Key words:

low?temperature plasma nucleoplasty, lumbar disc herniation, clinical effects