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

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 fibres that may be causing pain and toughen the disc tissue, sealing any small tears.

Current as of: November 9, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Kenneth J. Koval MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma
Heather Quinn MD - Family Medicine