Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Full-Endoscopic Isolation Zone Technique for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Published on: April 7, 2023
Fluoroscopy-guided Bipolar Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation Treatment for Discogenic Low Back Pain
Li Zhang1, Xin-Li Ding2, Xu-Li Zhao3
1Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
Background:
The efficacy of percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PIRFT) for the treatment of discogenic low back pain (LBP) remains controversial. However, all the PIRFT studies utilized monopolar radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC). The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of bipolar RFTC for the treatment of discogenic LBP.
Methods:
A total of 23 patients with discogenic LBP were treated with single-level bipolar RFTC. The patients were assessed before the procedure and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure. The primary outcome included the visual analog scale (VAS) score and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. The secondary outcome included pain relief, reduction of analgesic dose, and patient satisfaction.
Results:
The VAS and ODI scores were significantly decreased after bipolar RFTC treatment at all time points of follow-up (P < 0.05). Bipolar RFTC treatment also resulted in a significant change in all secondary measures, such as pain relief, reduction of analgesic dose, and patient satisfaction. No serious complications or neurological sequelae were observed in any of the patients.
Conclusions:
Bipolar RFTC treatment can significantly attenuate pain and improve the function of patients with discogenic LBP.
