Intradiscal electrothermal therapy, also known as IDET, is a minimal invasive procedure where the physician produces controlled amounts of thermal energy – heat – through electrodes positioned in or near a bulging or herniated disc wall. This procedure cauterizes the nerve endings within the disc wall to help block the pain signals. The procedure is also referred to as intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDEA).

The collagen of the disc wall is also thickened by the heat and narrows or completely closes the crack or fissures in the disc wall. It reduces the bulge of the disc and desensitizes the pain sensors of the disc as well rendering relief from the pain.

Symptoms arising from other spinal conditions may not be alleviated by IDET as this procedure acts completely and exclusively on the disk and its tissues. To determine the cause of the pain before advising IDET the physician may prescribe some tests such as MRI or discography to confirm his diagnosis.

IDET is usually an out patient procedure and no hospitalization is required except in exceptional cases. The surgeon performing the procedure will use mild sedation and local anesthesia to reduce discomfort, however the patient will be aware of what is going on.

A needle will be inserted into the affected disc using image guidance equipment and a catheter will be passed through the needle into the disc. Once the apparatus is in place the temperature will be increases slowly thus warming the disc wall. Patients are usually sent home the same day with a small bandage or band-aid on the back where the needle was inserted.

IDET is best for small herniations or tears, but is not recommended for larger herniations or severe spinal stenosis.