- Adult Spine Lumbar:
- Patient Guides
- News & FAQs
- Discussions
- Fractures
- Video
Can the new IDET treatment for disks be used by anyone?
Intradiskal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is a new treatment for disk problems. This option isn’t for every body. Since it’s fairly new (it was first used for disks in 2000), doctors advise caution until further studies are done.
Right now, researchers suggest its use for patients with chronic low back pain from disk disease. This means the disk has worn away or been damaged from aging or injury. The pain has been present and unchanged by other treatment for more than three months.
You may not be a good candidate if you’ve had back surgery before. Likewise, pregnant women are not treated with IDET. Patients with other back problems such as stenosis or scoliosis aren’t accepted yet for this treatment. IDET is not advised for anyone with other serious health issues or medical conditions.
F. Todd Wetzel, MD, and Thomas A. McNally, MD. Treatment of Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain With Intradiskal Electrothermal Therapy. In Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. January/February 2003. Vol. 11. No. 1. Pp. 6-11.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is not intended to replace the advice or care from a healthcare provider. The information on this website is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments, or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visiting with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your healthcare provider because of any information you obtain on this website. Discuss any activities presented in this website with your healthcare provider before engaging in the activity.
