Intradiscal electrothermal therapy, or IDET, is a new minimally invasive treatment option for patients with low back pain caused by tears in the outer wall of the intervertebral disc. It involves the use of heat to theoretically modify the collagen fibers of the disc and destroy the pain receptors in the area. The heating of the disc is accomplished through the insertion of a special wire, called an electrothermal catheter, through which an electrical current passes. It is performed as an outpatient procedure while the patient is awake and under a local anesthesia with mild sedation.

The surgeon places the catheter through a small incision on the back and into the disc with the guidance of a special X-ray camera. Once in the disc space, the catheter heats the disc to a temperature of 90° C over the course of 15-20 minutes. The patient is observed for a period of time then allowed to go home. Pain relief may be seen within a few days following the procedure, or can take from to six to eight weeks to be noticed. Early studies indicate that in some patients, the pain relief may continue for up to six months or longer. However, some patients do not experience any pain relief. The long term effects of this procedure on the disc is not yet known.

Recovery from IDET takes one to two weeks and an exercise program after the procedure is usually recommended. Early results with the IDET showed that some patients who undergo the procedure report an increased activity level, a reduced use of pain medications and improved sitting tolerance. Later published results have been less positive.

At this time, long-term outcomes need to be examined and compared to other forms of pain relief. More data into the effectiveness of IDET are needed especially in the form of placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials.