Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET)

Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to treat chronic discogenic low back pain caused by internal disc disruption. IDET is designed for patients with persistent axial low back pain originating from a damaged intervertebral disc that has not responded to conservative treatment.

Before IDET is performed, discography is used to confirm that the targeted disc is the true source of pain.

What Is Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy?

IDET is a catheter-based procedure that delivers controlled thermal energy to the outer layer of a damaged spinal disc (annulus fibrosus). The goal is to reduce disc-related pain by modifying the disc structure and desensitizing pain fibers within the disc.

Chronic discogenic pain often occurs when small tears (annular fissures) develop in the outer disc wall, allowing nerve fibers to grow inward and generate persistent pain.

IDET addresses this by:

  1. Heating and shrinking collagen fibers in the annulus
  2. Sealing annular fissures
  3. Reducing bulging of inner disc material
  4. Destroying pain-sensitive nerve fibers within the disc

Conditions Treated

Intradiscal electrothermal therapy is indicated for:

  1. Discogenic low back pain confirmed by discography
  2. Internal disc disruption
  3. Contained disc herniation
  4. Chronic axial low back pain greater than leg pain
  5. Posterior annular fissures
  6. Degenerative disc disease with preserved disc height

IDET is not intended for patients with significant nerve root compression or severe spinal instability.

Candidate Criteria for IDET

IDET may be appropriate for patients who meet the following criteria:

  1. Discogenic pain confirmed by discography
  2. Failure to improve after at least six weeks of conservative treatment
  3. Age younger than 55 years
  4. No significant facet joint disease
  5. No major psychological contraindications
  6. Axial low back pain lasting 3–6 months
  7. Contained disc herniation
  8. Preserved disc height greater than 50%

Careful patient selection is critical for successful outcomes.

Table of Contents

How the Procedure Is Performed

Intradiscal electrothermal therapy is performed in an outpatient setting under fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance.

The procedure includes:

  1. Administration of a sedative and local anesthetic.
  2. Insertion of a small needle into the affected disc under X-ray guidance.
  3. Placement of a flexible catheter with a heating element into the outer annulus.
  4. Gradual heating of the catheter to approximately 194°F (90°C).
  5. Controlled thermal treatment of the disc wall.
  6. Administration of antibiotics intravenously or by injection to reduce infection risk.

The entire procedure typically takes less than one hour.

Benefits of Atlanto-Occipital and Atlanto-Axial Joint Injections

Atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial joint injections are used to treat:

  • Targeted treatment of upper cervical spine pain
  • Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
  • Accurate diagnosis of neck pain source
  • Reduced inflammation within C1–C2 joints
  • Improved function and range of motion
  • Decreased need for systemic pain medications

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does pain relief last?

Relief duration varies. Diagnostic injections provide temporary relief, while corticosteroid injections may provide weeks to months of reduced inflammation and pain.

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. A local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort.

The injection typically takes 20–30 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting.

Most patients resume light activities within 24 hours unless otherwise instructed.

Begin your journey to recovery.

Reach out to our specialists to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll carefully review your symptoms and match you with the right expert for your specific condition.

CLINIC LOCATION

100 Town Square Place, Suite 405
Jersey City, NJ 07310

DIRECT CONTACT

(908) 665-1938
infor@urbanspinejoint.com