IDET is performed by inserting a catheter with a thermal resistive coil at the end, into the affected disc. The coil is then heated, to 90 degrees fahrenheit, for 15 to 17 minutes, which kills the nerves causing the pain and also tightens the collagen fibers that form the wall of thedisc.
Low back pain is common, and may be due to torn or herniated discs.
Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty, or IDET may be a treatment option for patients who fail to respond to non-invasive treatments.
IDET may also be a minimally invasive alternative to spinal fusion.
__ Indications for IDET include patients who; fail to respond to six months of
conservative treatment and have small herniations, internal disc tears or mild disc
degeneration limited to one or two levels.
__ Contraindications include: severe disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, neurological
symptoms (e.g. leg weakness) and large disc herniations.