title: Rapid correction of neurologic deficits by percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD).
abstract: Immediate correction of neurologic deficits due to herniated disc disease following percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) has not previously been reported. In a review of 182 cases of herniated intervertebral disc disease with radicular pain syndromes, the author observed a high percentage of return of absent ankle and knee jerk reflexes, return of straight leg raising to normal, and a change of the characteristic rolling to one side, bending the knees, and propping up with the hands as the usual maneuver to change from a supine to a sitting position ("Choy sign") to an ability to sit up directly by trunk flexion, immediately, and at 1 day after PLDD. The neurophysiologic implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10021, USA.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Choy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal; D012585:Sciatica / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors