Intradiscal Radiofrequency Thermal Disc Therapy In the News

A randomized double-blind controlled trial of intra-annular radiofrequency thermal disc therapy--a 12-month follow-up reported in the Journal Pain (2009; 145(3):279-86) from Norway reported no difference in pain relief and, in some cases’ increased pain with Intradiscal radiofrequency thermal disc therapy using the discTRODE probe which applies radiofrequency (RF) current, heating the annulus to treat chronic discogenic low back pain.

This was a double blind study utilizing the radiofrequency treatment and a sham procedure at single spinal levels where provocative discography had reproduced the pain. The authors concluded that both treatment and sham groups achieved some relief at 12 months but declined to recommend the procedure.