Intervertebral discolysis with collagenase
Bromley, J.W.
Arzneimittel-Forschung 32(10a): 1405-1408
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4172 PMID: 6295414 Document Number: 189634
Animal experimental studies are reported in which the enzyme collagenase was used to digest the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc in both dogs and monkeys. Studies in the same animals indicated a low risk toxicity. Clinical studies were started in 1979, in which the results in 82 patients are reported. All patients were subjected to rigid standards of selection. Of 78 patients followed, 80.4% had good results, 4.9% fair results, and 14.7% had poor results. There were no instances of toxicity. A double-blind study of 30 patients indicates clearcut superiority of collagenase over placebo in relieving the symptoms of herniated disc.