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IDET
IDET is also called
Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy
or Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty (IDEA). The procedure is a
minimally invasive back surgery
and usually performed under local anesthetic. The operation is generally recommended for patients with contained
herniated discs,
but is not indicated for patients suffering from
ruptured discs
or annular tears. Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy is one of the most popular of all modern back surgeries for
disc pain
syndromes.
IntraDiscal Electrothermal Therapy Procedure
The area is numbed with local anesthetic and a thin catheter is inserted directly into the affected disc, through a tiny incision. The area is viewed using fluoroscopy (live
spinal x-ray
). The catheter is heated up slowly, introducing the heat into the nucleus of the disc. The heat breaks down the collagen in the nucleus, causing the disc to shrink to it’s original shape. The procedure takes about one hour and the patient is able to leave the hospital the same day. Most patients are advised to rest for a few days and limit vigorous activity for several weeks.
Recovery From IDET
The patient is advised to avoid sitting and only partake in limited physical activity for a period of about 6 to 8 weeks. The patient can expect full healing in about 4 months on average. The procedure is not always permanent, as the disc can degenerate, herniate again or rupture, requiring additional treatment. However, this procedure does not contraindicate additional more invasive
back surgery
solutions, should they become necessary.
Recommendation for IDET
I don’t like this procedure as much as
nucleoplasty.
The surgery is similar, but this procedure is not as precise. Sometimes too much disc material is removed. Other times, not enough disc material is removed. If both procedures are options for treatment, I would recommend nucleoplasty 100% of the time. This procedure, despite its overwhelming popularity, is simply yesterday’s technology…
IDET to Back Pain Home
6/13/06 Revised 9/26/09
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