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Effects of monopolar radiofrequency heating on intradiscal pressure in sheep
Ronald J Podhajsky1, Anna Belous, Kristin Johnson
1Valleylab, Tyco Healthcare, 5920 Longbow Drive, Boulder, CO 80301, USA. ron.podhajsky@tycohealthcare.com
Background Context:
No previous study has assessed the effect of monopolar radiofrequency (RF) heating on intradiscal pressure.
Purpose:
To determine the decrease in lumbar intradiscal pressure after monopolar RF heating.
Study Design/Setting:
Intradiscal pressure was measured in sheep lumbar discs treated with monopolar RF heating.
Methods:
Two monopolar RF heat treatments at 90 degrees C were applied for 2 minutes each to lumbar intervertebral discs of sheep. Intradiscal pressure was measured in live sheep at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days posttreatment. Pressure measurements were taken with a microtip pressure transducer. Electrodes were inserted but not activated in separate discs as a sham control. In vitro sheep spine of different age groups, loading conditions, and electrode orientations were similarly heat treated and intradiscal pressures were measured.
Results:
Intradiscal pressure was significantly reduced 1 week after monopolar RF heating and remained stable through the 4-week observation period. The RF electrode orientation, the age, and the type of disc loading have significant effects on the amount of initial intradiscal pressure reduction.
Conclusions:
Monopolar RF heating can reduce intradiscal pressure in the lumbar spine of sheep.
