title: [Percutaneous bipolar discectomy. Technical principles and initial results with an in vitro model].
abstract: In the present study, the effect of bipolar radio-frequency thermocoagulation of intervertebral discs was evaluated in an in vitro model. In fresh human cadaveric thoracic and lumbar motion segments, we applied radio-frequency energy to the intervertebral disc via a variety of different bipolar HF electrodes, while simultaneously recording the temperature of the dorsal longitudinal ligament. All the segments were weighed in a standardised manner prior to and after the procedure. It was found that a combination of coagulation and vaporisation was most suitable for working on the disc. Applying energy for 300 secs resulted in an average weight loss ranging, electrode-dependently, from 0.3 to 0.7 grams, the mean temperature increase in the longitudinal ligament was 0.1 degree C per min.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our experimental data suggest that PBD may be used for the same indications as the laser in the treatment of disc disease.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemeine Orthopädie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jerosch
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Filler
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Peuker
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery