Patients and radiologists at Vancouver General Hospital are the first in North America to test an innovative ozone/oxygen injection treatment designed to alleviate pain from herniated discs in the lower back. This condition affects at least five percent of adults.
How Does It Work?
The treatment involves injecting a combination of oxygen and ozone gas into the herniated disc. The oxidizing effect of the gases helps shrink the bulging disc, which reduces compression by pulling the herniated part away from nerve roots.
Leading the Study
Dr. Peter Munk, a Vancouver radiologist and head of the musculoskeletal division at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital, is leading the local study. According to Dr. Munk, a 2010 meta-analysis of about a dozen studies involving 8,000 European patients suggested that patients improved more rapidly with this treatment. The goal is to see if ozone can promote quicker healing and reduce the need for other interventions like repeated steroid injections and surgery.
The Procedure
- Duration: The procedure takes about 20 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
- Guidance: Radiologists use CT imaging to guide the needle precisely into the center of the herniated disc.
- Cost-Effective: This method should be less costly for the healthcare system compared to surgery.
The Device
The treatment uses a new hand-held device developed by Toronto radiologist Dr. Kieran Murphy. Unlike conventional systems that rely on large ozone machines, this device uses a small canister of oxygen. With a push of a button, the device generates ozone and injects it into the lower back.
Safety and Risks
While the treatment has some risks, such as infection and bleeding, previous studies show these risks are less than one percent. The new device, combined with imaging guidance, aims to further minimize these risks.
Clinical Trial
The trial, which is currently recruiting 25 participants, aims to assess the safety of the new injection system. This treatment is intended for common types of herniated discs, not the most severe cases that require surgery.
Historical Context
Ozone therapy for herniated discs began in the 1990s in Italy. While it has been widely used in Asia and Europe, it’s still considered controversial and a toxic gas when inhaled. Despite this, it has shown promise in treating herniated discs without surgery.
Contact Information
For more information on enrolling in the Vancouver General Hospital trial, call 604-875-4612. Hospitals in Alberta and Ontario are also expected to join the trial.
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