To quantitatively evaluate interval magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in disc morphology following plasma-mediated percutaneous discectomy.


 A retrospective comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment MRIs at a single university spine clinic.


 All had either failed treatment or had other clinical reasons for a posttreatment MRI.


 Two independent physicians electronically measured disc protrusion size and disc height at the treatment discs and adjacent discs on pre- and posttreatment MRI scans.  Pearson r correlation was used to determine interobserver reliability between the two physicians' MRI measurements.  Paired t-tests were calculated for comparisons of pre- and posttreatment MRI measurements, and an ANOVA was performed for comparison of pre- to posttreatment changes in disc height measurements at treatment levels relative to adjacent levels.


 Also, 11/15 posttreatment MRIs included post-contrast images that showed epidural fibrosis (N = 1), rim enhancement (N = 2), and enhancement of the posterior annulus (N = 4).


 Based on MRI examinations, subtle anatomic changes may occur following plasma-mediated percutaneous discectomy. 
MRI