An Emerging Minimally Invasive Ozone Therapy for Spinal Disc Disease and Its Outcome

Abstract

Objectives:  To analyze the effect and outcome of ozone therapy in herniated cervical and lumbar disc disease.

Material and Methods:  A prospective study was conducted in the Neurosurgery Department of Federal Medical, Teaching Hospital Islamabad from March 2015 to December 2019. 310 patients with neck ache, and backache with radiculopathy were enrolled. Magnetic resonance imaging and the computed tomographic scan were done.4 to 6 ml of ozone were inserted in disc space. Periodic follow-up was done for up to 6 months of therapy. A single session of therapy was required in 55%, twice in 22.5%, and multiple in 13% of patients.

Results:  Out of 310 patients, n = 220 were male and 90 females. Cervical herniated discs were 30 and lumbar 280, single cervical disc herniation was found in n = 26 and multiple in n = 4 while the single-level herniated lumbar disc was n = 220 and multiple in n = 60. Self-analysis of pain before intervention was assessed by visual analog, scored was VAS 4 in n = 80, VAS 5 – 6 in n = 120, VAS 7 – 9 in n = 70, and VAS 10 in n = 40 patients. Post-intervention prognosis according to Modified Mac nab was Excellent in 54%, good in 29%, Fair in 13%, and poor in 3.2% of patients.