Complications of percutaneous techniques used in the diagnosis and treatment of discogenic lower back pain

Complications of minimally invasive interventions to treat discogenic pain can be classified as infectious, hemorrhagic, neurological, allergic, and other less specific complications such as temporary pain exacerbation and vasovagal reactions. Discitis, spinal abscesses, and vertebral osteomyelitis were all reported after percutaneous intradiscal procedures for treatment of back and leg pain. Misplacement of trocars, probes, or heating elements are frequently responsible for neurological complications such as cauda equina and nerve root damage. Allergic reactions occur usually in patients with immunological hypersensitivity to one or more of the agents used during the interventions, such as chymopapain for nucleolysis or the contrast dye for discography.