title: Laser discectomy.
abstract: Discectomy with lasers is a technically easy procedure and permits a surgeon to place a predictably sized and configured defect in a predetermined position in the intervertebral disc. In a small series of patients, the procedure appears effective in controlling symptoms in a high percentage of patients. The efficacy of the procedure and wider acceptance will depend on the results of multicenter clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Sherk
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Black
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rhodes
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Prodoehl
mesh_terms: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D000818:Animals; D001416:Back Pain / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006695:Holmium; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000601:surgery*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015019:Yttrium
chemical_list: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D015019:Yttrium; D006695:Holmium