Inserting a needle into the damaged disc before removing it is called needle localization. It is a technique used by some surgeons who are preparing to perform an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The procedure is used to confirm the correct operative level.
This method of checking works fine so long as the needle goes in the correct disc (the one that’s going to be removed anyway). But when the needle punctures a healthy disc at the next level (above or below the diseased disc), then that healthy disc is at risk for degenerative changes.
According to studies done, the practice of missing the correct disc space is more common than realized. Seventeen per cent (17%) of cases investigated had incorrect needle placement. And the risk of degeneration was three times higher for those previously intact discs.
More studies are needed but for now, there is a weak recommendation that surgeons should avoid using the needle placement checking technique to confirm the disc space for anterior cervical discectomies. Surgeons need to find other less risky ways to mark the appropriate disc space. The current needle localization method is linked with too many puncture injuries of the adjacent discs.