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Percutaneous intradiscal electrothermal therapy for low back pain

 
Guidance issued
 
IPG Number: IPG319

Summary

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on percutaneous intradiscal electrothermal therapy for low back pain.

It replaces the previous guidance on percutaneous intradiscal electrothermal therapy for lower back pain (Interventional Procedures Guidance no. 81, August 2004).  

Description

In some patients, low back pain is thought to occur when one or more of the tough discs that sit between the bones (vertebrae) in the spine become worn. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the affected disc (a video image similar to an X-ray is used to help find the correct position). A narrow tube is then passed through the needle into the disc. The tube is heated slowly and kept in place for a few minutes.

OPCS code:

Details

Arrangement:
Special
Topic area:
Musculoskeletal
Surgical procedures
Specialty:
Anaesthetics
Trauma and orthopaedic surgery
Specialist advice has been sought from:
British Orthopaedic Association
Date notified to NICE:
01 April 2002
Provisional consultation date:
Spring 2009
Guidance issue date:
25 November 2009

Contact details:

Project manager (for general enquiries or comments)
(for general enquiries or comments)
Ben Doak
Contact Address:

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA

Links: