Summary
The pharmacology, indications, contraindications and technique of chemonucleolysis are discussed. The results of the first seventy-nine consecutive patients, who underwent this treatment over a two year period, indicate its benefits in the management of the prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Jansen, E. F. and Balls. 1941. Chymopapain: a new chrystalline proteinase from papaya latex. J. Biol. Chem. 137, 459–460.
Macnab, I., McCulloch, J. A., Weiner, D. S., Hugo, E. P., Galway, R. D. and Dall, D. 1971. Chemonucleolysis. Can. J. Surg. 14, 280–289.
Macnab, I. 1973. Chemonucleolysis. Clin. Neurosurg. 20, 183–191.
McCulloch, J. A. 1977. Chemonucleolysis. J. Bone Joint Surg. 59B, 45–52.
McCulloch, J. A. 1980. Chemonucleolysis. Clin. Orthop. Rel. Res. 145, 128–135.
Nordby, E. J. and Lucan, L. 1973. Chemonucleolysis. Clin. Rel. Res. 90, 119–129.
Onofrio, B. M. 1975. Injection of chymopapain into intervertebral discs. J. Neurosurg. 142, 348–388.
Parkinson, D. and Shields, C. 1973. Treatment of protruded lumbar intervertebral disc with chymopapain (Discase). J. Neurosurg. 39, 203–206.
Smith, I. 1964. Enzyme dissolution of the nucleus pulposus in humans. J.A.M.A. 187, 137–140.
Stern, I. 1969. Biochemistry of chymopapain. Clin. Orthop. Rel. Res. 67, 42–46.
Stern, I., Cosmas, F. and Smith, I. 1968. Urinary polyuronide excretion in man after enzymatic dissolution of the chondromucoprotein of the intervertebral disc and surgical stress. Clinica. Chimica. Acta, 21, 181–190.
Wiltse, L. I., Widell, E. H., and Yuan, H. A. 1975. Chymopapain chemonucleolysis in lumbar disc disease. J.A.M.A. 231, 474–479.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Stephens, M.M., McManus, F. Chemonucleolysis. I.J.M.S. 153, 174–177 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02939821
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02939821