Is collagenase dissolution dangerous?

The treatment methods for modern diseases are becoming more and more advanced. The treatment of many diseases has gotten rid of the effects of drugs, and direct surgical treatment is a more effective method. Among them, collagenase dissolution is used to treat the symptoms of herniated disc. This method is very effective for some patients. However, after countless clinical applications, it is found that it is not the best method and may even endanger health. Let’s take a look at whether collagenase dissolution is harmful?

Collagenase dissolution is a biological minimally invasive technique that injects collagenase into the site of intervertebral disc herniation. It uses the specific dissolving effect of collagenase on the collagen tissue in the intervertebral disc to make the herniated intervertebral disc smaller or even disappear, thereby relieving nerve compression and improving clinical symptoms.

Collagenase is a protease, which may cause allergies in the human body. Moreover, the injection of collagenase must be performed under X-ray fluoroscopy. We all know that X-rays are radioactive to the human body and may also harm the operating doctors. Also, in the process of dissolving the nucleus pulposus, will the protein in the annulus fibrosus also be dissolved?

Therefore, in 1972, the U.S. SFDA (state food and drug administration) explicitly banned its clinical use. Although our country has not explicitly banned it, almost all major hospitals in the country have banned it. However, those hospitals with poor returns or private hospitals are still using it, but the method of use is no longer standardized (it is not carried out under the guidance of imaging equipment). Collagenase dissolution is not ineffective, but it cannot be promoted on a large scale. The choice of indications is also very important. It is only suitable for patients with single-segment disc bulging or mild protrusion, without calcification, spinal canal stenosis, or allergies.

Note:

1. The patient lies prone for 6 hours.

2. Rest in bed for 1-2 weeks as much as possible.

3. Apply hot compress on the waist 1-2 times a day.

4. Wear a waist belt.

5. No weight bearing is allowed within one month.

6. Perform back muscle exercises after one month.

7. After about 1-2 weeks, the pain reaction may worsen and can be treated symptomatically with oral analgesics or nerve blocks.

8. A very small number of people may have a delayed allergic reaction to collagenase, such as low fever, slight sweating, and rash. This is a self-limiting reaction and will heal on its own without treatment. Those with severe reactions need to go to a nearby hospital for treatment in time.

9. The manifestation period of collagenase dissolution is 2 weeks to 2 months, and the recovery period is 3 to 5 months.