Disc biacuplasty

Placement of radio frequency-generated heat probes during a disc biacuplasty.

Disk biacuplasty is a medical procedure that applies heat to the annulus of disks that separate the vertebra of the back with the goal of ablating the neurons that generate pain sensations.^[1] The procedure is designed to reduce chronic back pain caused by the intervertebral discs. The procedure is in the early stages of testing^[2] with some evidence of efficacy.^[3]

As possible advantages to conventional techniques, the developers of the procedure cite its ease of use and a lack of artificial concentric fissures. The procedure may destroy pain nerves without damaging nearby tissues, though evidence for this comes only from studies with cadavers.^[1] Testing on pigs suggested it heats the desired area without damaging the dorsal root ganglia or spinal nerve roots, though the cells of the disc demonstrate histological changes.^[4]

See also

• Intervertebral disc annuloplasty

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Kapural, Leonardo; Mekhail, N, Kapural, M & Hicks, D. "Histological and temperature studies of a novel transdiscal heating system in human cadaver discs". unpublished conference abstract. San Francisco. http://www.asaabstracts.com/strands/asaabstracts/abstract.htm;jsessionid=332A60D7F5D80108146B0A04AA7DDB08?year=2006&index=3&absnum=308. Retrieved 2007-12-06. 
2. ^ "New radiofrequency technique reduces disc pain with quick recovery time". American College of Radiology. http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMenuCategories/NewsPublications/FeaturedCategories/CurrentHealthCareNews/More/NewradiofrequencytechniquereducesdiscpainwithquickrecoverytimeDoc349.aspx. Retrieved 2007-12-06. 
3. ^ Kapural L, Mekhail N (2007). "Novel intradiscal biacuplasty (IDB) for the treatment of lumbar discogenic pain". Pain Pract 7 (2): 130–4. doi:10.1111/j.1533-2500.2007.00120.x. PMID 17559482. 
4. ^ Petersohn, J; Conquergood, LR & Leung, M (2007-03-09). "Acute histologic effects and thermal distribution profile of disc biacuplasty using a novel water-cooled bipolar electrode system in an in vivo porcine model". Pain Medicine On-line e-publication (1): 26. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4637.2006.00293.x. PMID 18254764. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1526-4637.2006.00293.x. Retrieved 2007-12-06.