Intradiscal electrothermal therapy: a treatment option in patients with internal disc disruption.
METHODS
A literature review was conducted.


OBJECTIVE
To review the anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, procedure, and clinical results of intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET).


BACKGROUND
Low back pain is a major physical and socioeconomic entity. A significant percentage of low back pain is attributable to internal disc disruption. The management of internal disc disruption has traditionally been limited to either conservative treatment or spinal fusion. IDET has been performed as an alternative to these therapies.


METHODS
The available literature was reviewed.


RESULTS
Scientific data regarding the pathophysiology, biologic effects, and clinical results are relatively scarce. Early biomechanical and histologic investigations into the effects of IDET are conflicting. However, in early prospective human trials, IDET seems to provide some benefit with little risk.


CONCLUSIONS
IDET is potentially beneficial treatment for internal disc disruption in carefully selected patients as an alternative to spinal fusion. More basic science and clinical research with long-term follow-up evaluation is necessary.
Biyani
Ashok
A
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Andersson
Gunnar B J
GB
Chaudhary
Haleem
H
An
Howard S
HS
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D018579:Patient Selection; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome