Nucleoplasty and Annuloplasty Treatment for Back & Spine Conditions in Singapore
When chronic back or neck pain is caused by a damaged spinal disc, minimally invasive procedures can offer a powerful solution without the need for major surgery. Annuloplasty and Nucleoplasty are two such treatments designed to target specific types of disc problems. As one of the leading non-surgical back pain treatment, these procedures can effectively reduce pain and restore function for suitable candidates, offering a path to a better quality of life.
What Is Nucleoplasty?
Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat pain caused by a contained (bulging) disc. It’s a type of percutaneous discectomy that reduces pressure inside the disc, which in turn relieves pressure on the nearby spinal nerves. The primary goal of Nucleoplasty is to alleviate radiating leg pain (sciatica) or arm pain caused by a mildly herniated disc that has not responded to conservative treatments.
How Is Nucleoplasty Performed?
The procedure begins with a local anaesthetic to numb the area, ensuring your comfort. At our clinic in Singapore, our specialist performs the nucleoplasty by using advanced imaging guidance to carefully direct a very fine needle into the exact centre of the bulging disc.
Once the needle is perfectly positioned, a small radiofrequency device is inserted. It gently dissolves a tiny amount of disc tissue to relieve the internal pressure. The device is then removed and a small bandage is applied, with the entire process typically lasting less than an hour.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nucleoplasty?
Nucleoplasty is a targeted treatment for a very specific type of patient. It is considered an excellent option for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Have a contained disc bulge (a mild or 'protruding' disc where the outer wall is intact).
- Experience radiating nerve pain, such as sciatica in the leg or similar pain down the arm.
- Have not found sufficient relief from conservative care, including physiotherapy and medication.
- Have had a thorough diagnosis (including an MRI) to confirm their specific disc condition is suitable.
What Is the Annuloplasty Procedure?
Annuloplasty literally means "repair of the annulus," which is the tough outer wall of the spinal disc. Historically, this term was associated with procedures like IDET, which used heat to try and seal painful tears in the disc wall and deaden nerve endings. While these specific heat-based procedures are performed less frequently today, the principle of treating the annulus remains a key concept in managing discogenic pain.
How Is an Annuloplasty Performed?
An annuloplasty is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthesia and mild sedation. When performing an annuloplasty spine in Singapore, our specialist uses X-ray guidance to direct a fine needle and a flexible catheter to the damaged outer wall of the spinal disc. Controlled thermal energy is then applied through the catheter to heat the tissue, which is intended to seal painful tears and desensitise nerve endings, thereby reducing chronic back pain.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Annuloplasty?
The ideal candidate for an Annuloplasty procedure is very specific. This treatment is only considered for patients who have:
- Chronic, disc-related back pain (discogenic pain) that has lasted for more than six months.
- Confirmed annular tears shown on an MRI and confirmed with a diagnostic test like a discography.
- No significant disc herniation or loss of disc height.
- Failed to find relief from comprehensive conservative treatments like physiotherapy and medication.
Key Differences: Nucleoplasty vs. Annuloplasty
| Aspects | Nucleoplasty | Annuloplasty |
| Primary Goal | Decompress the disc from the inside | Seal tears in the disc’s outer wall |
| Target Area | The soft nucleus at the disc’s centre | The tough annulus (outer wall) |
| Mechanism | Removes a small amount of tissue | Heats tissue to shrink it |
Why Choose Our Clinic for Your Disc Treatment?
An accurate diagnosis is the key to effectively treating your disc pain. Our clinic is led by Dr Christopher Liu, a leading neck and shoulder pain specialist who creates personalised care plans for a range of spinal conditions. His expertise covers everything from advanced slipped disc treatment to comprehensive sciatica treatment in Singapore, ensuring you receive a targeted and effective solution. Our commitment is to find the best evidence-based path to restore your long-term health and improve your quality of life.
If you believe you may have an annular tear or suffer from chronic low back pain, schedule an appointment with the specialists at Alleviate Pain Clinic, located at Farrer Park Hospital, Singapore. Our Doctors can provide a comprehensive evaluation and tailor a treatment plan to help you manage and overcome your pain effectively.
