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Smith & Nephew Spine Procedures

Smith & Nephew

The IDET◊ Procedure and Targeted Disc Decompression are both used to treat pain caused by spinal disc conditions. For this reason, the steps involved in performing the procedures are very similar. Local anesthesia and mild sedation may be used to reduce discomfort. You will be awake and alert so you can provide important feedback to the physician. With the guidance of X-ray images, the physician will advance a needle into the disc. Following this step, a treatment catheter will be passed through a spinal needle into the disc.

 

Once the catheter is in the appropriate position the temperature of the heating section in the catheter will be gradually increased, causing tissue inside the disc to be heated as well. During the heating protocol, your physician will monitor your condition and comfort level closely.

 

It is not uncommon for most patients to feel a reproduction of their usual lower back pain at this time. This is a strong indication that the heat is being applied to the appropriate area. Once the procedure is completed, the catheter and needle will be removed. A small bandage will be placed on your back and you will rest in a recovery area until you are ready to go home.

 

IDET

Targeted Disc Compression

The disc annulus is heated during
the IDET◊ procedure. 		The disc herniation is heated during
Targeted Disc Decompression.

Smith & Nephew

RF facet denervation is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes about an hour to complete. In most cases, you will be placed on an X-ray table on your stomach. Your skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution and then numbed with a local anesthetic. Under continuous x-ray guidance, your physician will insert a small radiofrequency needle into the site of your pain. Motor and sensory tests will be performed to ensure the needle is placed properly.

 

Once the needle is correctly positioned, the nerve will be numbed with a local anesthetic prior to being treated. It is important that you are alert during the heating portion of the procedure so that you may inform the physician if any extremity symptoms develop, although this is unlikely.

 

Please note that RF facet denervation is often not a permanent procedure. The small nerves may grow back over time. However, patients usually experience prolonged pain relief. During the period of pain relief, physical therapy can be initiated to help strengthen the involved facet joints. If similar pain returns, the procedure can be repeated.




IDET◊