Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) for disc-related low back pain

Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) catheter and heating element placement.

IDET is a treatment for chronic low back pain related to a spinal disc.

A doctor inserts a hollow needle containing a thin, flexible tube (catheter) and heating element into the disc. The heat is meant to destroy the nerve fibers that may be causing pain and toughen the disc tissue, sealing any small tears.

Current as of: July 17, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
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