Treatment of chronic lumbar diskogenic pain with intradiskal electrothermal therapy: a prospective outcome study

To determine the clinical efficacy of intradiskal electrothermal annuloplasty in treating patients with chronic constant lumbar diskogenic pain who have not responded to at least 6 months of aggressive nonoperative care.

Prospective case series.

Academic-affiliated private physiatry practice.

Thirty-three patients with chronic constant lumbar diskogenic pain of more than 6 months in duration diagnosed with history and physical examination, with concordant pain on provocative pressure-controlled lumbar diskography, and with symptomatic annular tears and/or protrusions less than 5mm, who did not respond to aggressive nonoperative care.

Intradiskal electrothermal annuloplasty.

Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores for the back and for the lower extremity, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and the North American Spine Society Patient Satisfaction Index.

A total of 33 patients, with mean age of 40 years and a mean duration of symptoms of 46 months, were observed with a mean follow-up of 15 months. Relief of pain and improvement in physical function were associated with a mean change in the VAS score of 3.9 (P<.001), a mean change in the lower-extremity VAS score of 3.7 (P<.001), and a mean change in the RMDQ of 7.3 (P<.001). For patient satisfaction, 75.7% reported that they would undergo the same procedure for the same outcome. Complete pain relief was achieved in 24% of the patients, and partial pain relief in 46% of the patients.

Intradiskal electrothermal annuloplasty offers a safe, minimally invasive treatment option for carefully selected patients with chronic lumbar diskogenic pain who have not responded to aggressive nonoperative care.