Radiofrequency-induced intradiscal nucleoplasty chronic low back pain secondary to lumbar disc herniation.

UNLABELLED: We set out to assess the efficacy of radiofrequency-induced intradiscal nucleoplasty in reducing pain in symptomatic patients with MRI-defined lumbar disc herniation and their satisfaction with the procedure. We compared the patients' pain intensity and severity of disability scores before and after undergoing the procedure in a retrospective questionnaire. These patients reported statistically significant reduction of pain intensity and disability level after the procedure. We conclude that radiofrequencyinduced intradiscal nucleoplasty is an acceptable alternative minimally invasive procedure in relieving the symptoms of patients with lumbar disc herniation.

KEY WORDS: Radiofrequency-induced intradiscal nucleoplasty, coblation therapy, percutaneous lumbar disc decompression, intervertebral disc herniation, low back pain.