OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the results of treatment of patients with chronic discogenic low back pain who have been submitted to IDET (Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy). Minimum post operatory follow up was two years. METHODS: Prospective study of 23 patients diagnosed with chronic discogenic low back pain who received treatment between February 2003 and February 2006. The disk was considered the source of the pain in case of a positive discography or a nuclear magnetic resonance image compatible with Horton and Daftari criteria. Clinical parameters (VAS and Oswestry) were evaluated during pre-operatory and at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 48 months after surgery. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 42,09 years (26 to 51 years). The mean follow up time was 32,55 months (6 to 68 months). The mean visual analog scale (VAS) was 7,07 ± 1,90, and was reduced to 2,47 ±1,876 at 6 months, 2,69 ±1,82 at 12 months, 3,63 ±1,75 at 18 months and 5,73 ± 2,12 at 24 months. Oswestry index average was 39,26 ± 11,96 before surgery. It was reduced to 19,44±15,72 6 months after surgery, 19,8 8 ±15,45 12 months, 26,62 ±13,84 18 months and 31,87 ±14,94 24 months after the procedure. Favorable results were not seen after a 48-month follow up. CONCLUSION: IDET technique has proved to be a good alternative in the palliative control of pain and functional incapacity during a 24-month period. Good results have deteriorated after 48 months, with a tendency to return of symptoms as they were prior to treatment.
Low back pain; Magnetic resonance imaging; Pain measurement; Prospective studies; Catheter ablation
