DISCSEEL Procedure in Fort Myers
Small tears in the outer wall of a spinal disc can contribute to chronic back pain, neck pain, inflammation, and irritation of nearby nerves. The DISCSEEL Procedure is a minimally invasive treatment designed to identify and seal these annular tears without removing the disc or permanently fusing the affected spinal segment.
Dr. Franco Vigna provides detailed spine evaluations to determine whether damaged or torn discs may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms and whether the DISCSEEL Procedure may be an appropriate treatment option.
Understanding Annular Tears
Each spinal disc contains a soft center called the nucleus pulposus and a strong outer layer called the annulus fibrosus. Aging, repetitive stress, trauma, or disc degeneration can cause small tears to form within the annulus.
These tears may allow material from inside the disc to irritate nearby tissues and spinal nerves. Depending on the location of the damaged disc, patients may experience:
- Persistent lower back or neck pain
- Pain traveling into an arm or leg
- Tingling or numbness
- Symptoms that worsen during certain movements
- Recurring episodes of inflammation and muscle spasms
- Disc related pain that has not responded to conservative care
How the DISCSEEL Procedure Works
The DISCSEEL Procedure uses fluoroscopic imaging and a specialized diagnostic process called an Annulargram to identify tears within the outer wall of the spinal disc.
Once a tear has been identified, fibrin is carefully delivered into the damaged area. Fibrin is a biologic material involved in the body’s natural healing process. Within the disc, it acts as a sealant and may provide a structure that supports tissue repair.
The procedure is performed without large incisions, screws, rods, or artificial discs. Fibrin has FDA approved medical applications, although its use within spinal discs is considered an off-label application.
Conditions That May Be Evaluated for DISCSEEL
The DISCSEEL Procedure may be considered when symptoms are associated with damaged spinal discs, including:
- Annular tears
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bulging discs
- Herniated discs
- Chronic disc related back pain
- Chronic disc related neck pain
- Sciatica or radicular symptoms associated with disc irritation
Not every herniated or degenerated disc is appropriate for DISCSEEL. The location of the damage, degree of nerve compression, spinal stability, and the patient’s previous treatment history must all be considered.
Preserving the Natural Structure of the Spine
The DISCSEEL Procedure is intended to treat damaged disc tissue while preserving the natural structure and movement of the spine. It does not remove the disc or permanently join two vertebrae together.
Some patients investigate DISCSEEL after physical therapy, medication, injections, or other treatments have not provided sufficient improvement. Patients who previously underwent spine surgery may also be evaluated, although prior surgery does not automatically make someone a candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DISCSEEL Procedure the same as an epidural injection?
No. An epidural injection typically delivers medication around irritated spinal nerves to reduce inflammation. DISCSEEL delivers fibrin into identified tears within a damaged spinal disc.
Does DISCSEEL require implants or surgical hardware?
Is the DISCSEEL Procedure FDA approved?
DISCSEEL is a patented medical procedure. The fibrin biologic used during the procedure has FDA approved medical uses, but its injection into spinal discs is an off-label application. Dr. Vigna can explain what this means during the consultation.
Can I be evaluated if I have already had spine surgery?
How quickly will I know whether it worked?
Schedule a DISCSEEL Consultation
A consultation with Dr. Franco Vigna includes a review of your symptoms, imaging, prior treatments, and overall spinal health. Contact OrthoKagan to determine whether the DISCSEEL Procedure may be appropriate for your chronic back or neck pain.