Stability of the lumbar spine after intradiscal electrothermal therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the stability of the human lumbar cadaveric spinal motion segment before and after treatment with intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET).


METHODS
An in vitro biomechanic analysis of 5 human cadaveric spinal motion segments by using nondestructive biomechanic testing in flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation with loads of 0N, 600N, and 1200N.


METHODS
University-based hospital research center.


METHODS
Spinal unit specimens (upper and middle lumbar) from 5 human cadavers (age range, 39-79yr).


METHODS
A spinal catheter consisting of a thermal-resistive heating coil was placed circumferentially into the outer annulus by using the standard extrapedicular discographic technique through a 17-gauge introducer needle. The disc was then heated in a saline bath (37 degrees C) from 65 degrees C up to 90 degrees C for a total of 17 minutes.


METHODS
The stability of the spinal segments was measured before and shortly after IDET. Stability of the spine was measured as the compliance of the spine (the angular deformation afforded by the spine under applied bending moments).


RESULTS
With increasing preloads, there is a decrease in motion of the spinal segment in all planes of testing. However, there was no significant difference (p >.05) in the stability of the lumbar spine before and after treatment with IDET.


CONCLUSIONS
IDET does not destabilize the spinal motion segment in vitro.
Lee
J
J
Departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
Lutz
G E
GE
Campbell
D
D
Rodeo
S A
SA
Wright
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000601:surgery*; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged