The Onik method of automated percutaneous lumbar diskectomy (A.P.L.D.). Criteria of selection, techinque and evaluation of results

The Onik method of automated percutaneous lumbar diskectomy is a new type of percutaneous surgery for the treatment of herniated lumbar disk. Candidates for this procedure should be carefully evaluated on the basis of precise clinical criteria and instrumental diagnosis. The goal is to select patients in whom excellent results can be achieved, recognizing the limitations as well as the merits of the technique. The surgical approach is described and the potential difficulties are discussed, since this technique must be performed with precision and without trauma in order to obtain good results. The clinical results of 500 patients treated by the Onik method of automated percutaneous lumbar diskectomy are reported. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 2 1/2 years. The patients were divided into three groups according to the strength of the indication for A.P.L.D.; the quality of the result is reported for each group.