Clinical Efficacy Observatiaon Of Interventional Treatment For Discogenic Low Back Pain

Objective:This study was to evaluate the outcome of intradiscal electrothermal therapy(IDET)and microendoscopic discectomy(MED)/interbody fusion for discogenic low back pain.Methods: The clinical data of discogenic low back pain patients treated with IDET or MED from April 2003 to August 2017 were analyzed retrospectively.The Degree of annular disruption was evaluated according to “Modified Dallas Discogram Description” method.The patients with Degree II annular disruption were performed with IDET;the patients with Grade III annular disruption and level III-IV of annular degeneration were treated with MED/interbody fusion.All patients were followed up on a regular basis.The treatment outcome was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS)and oswestry disability index(ODI)scores.Results: A total of 48 patients were included in the study.There were14 cases of Degree II annular disruption and 34 cases with Degree III annular disruption.The patients were followed-up with an average of 50(range,1-72)months.Of the 14 cases treated with IDET,the average VAS score of 13 cases at the final follow-up reduced significantly comparedwith preoperatively.Of the 34 patients treated with MED/interbody fusion,32 cases showed obvious VAS score decrease at the final follow-up with statistical difference compared with preoperatively.(P<0.01).The ODI scores of the 48 cases at the final followup had significant difference(P<0.01)comparing with preoperatively.Conclusion: Significant improvement was obtained in patients with chronic discogenic low back pain treated with IDET or MED/interbody fusion.A prospective randomized control study with a large sample is needed.