Sines 1986, we have studied P.I.L.D. (Percutaneous Intradiscal Laser Discectomy),as an alternative therapeutic method for lumbar disc herniation.
The purpose of this study is to intrduce our new needle-tip pressure transducer for measurement of intradiscal pressure, and to evaluate its feasibility for clinical use.
The diameter of transducer is 0.9mm, and sensor is composed of 4 semiconductors strain gauge.
Goat's intervertebral discs were used for in vitro experiment.There was fairly good lineality between vertical load and intradiscal pressure. After irradiation, primary intradiscal pressure was reduced, and the slope was flatter than that of before irradiation. The effect of decompression with laser was recognized.
Our chip-type transducer is superior to conventional diaphram-type in terms of thermodrift, term stability, lineality, and hystericis.
We have recognized the feasibility of this transducer for adequate indication and precise eva luation of efficacy in P. I.L.D.
