Thermal therapy for degenerative disc disease

Thomas P. Ryan

doi:10.1117/12.427858

1 June 2001 Thermal therapy for degenerative disc disease

Thomas P. Ryan

Proceedings Volume 4247, Thermal Treatment of Tissue: Energy Delivery and Assessment; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.427858
Event: BiOS 2001 The International Symposium on Biomedical Optics, 2001, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Low back pain is the most common cause of morbidity and chronic pain in the US. In addition to conservative therapy and surgery, alternate therapies are being crafted to relieve pam for the patient. Recently, there has been activity in thermal treatment for spinal disc to shrink collagen and ablate abnormal nerve structures that may be the cause of pain and debilitation. A computer simulation was done comparing thermal techniques and extent of damage possible in regards to the bony endplates, peripheral structures like spinal cord and nerves, and collagen shrinkage. Monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency devices were simulated as well as purely conductive sources. A finite element model was used that incorporated electrical and thermal properties changing with temperature. Blood flow was also modeled with regard to temperature. Regions were analyzed regarding the zone of shrinkage and vessel necrosis as well as a second zone of nerve obliteration.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas P. Ryan "Thermal therapy for degenerative disc disease", Proc. SPIE 4247, Thermal Treatment of Tissue: Energy Delivery and Assessment, (1 June 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.427858

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