A minimally invasive treatment, intradiscal
electrothermal therapy involves the repair of collagen fissures and the
deadening of pain receptors in the lumbar vertebral discs. To perform the
procedure, a wire is inserted into the disc space and then heated to nearly 200
degrees Fahrenheit in order to thicken collagen and deaden nerve endings.
Also
Known As:
Conditions
Treated with Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy:
Intradiscal electrothermal therapy can be utilized
in cases of herniated discs and a tear in the outer wall of a lumbar disc.
Non-surgical alternatives to intradiscal
electrothermal therapy include steroid injections, pain medication and physical
therapy. Lumbar discectomy is a surgical alternative to the procedure.
Anesthesia
with Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy:
Intradiscal electrothermal therapy is performed with
local anesthesia and sedation.
Prognosis
after Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy:
The prognosis for a positive end result following
intradiscal electrothermal therapy is good, but it may take six to eight weeks
to experience pain relief.
Recovery
from Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy:
Total recovery from
intradiscal electrothermal therapy takes one to two weeks.