Histological changes and temperature distribution studies of a novel bipolar radiofrequency heating system in degenerated and nondegenerated human cadaver lumbar discs.

Objective And Study Design: The purpose of this experimentation was to investigate the safety of a novel cooled bipolar radiofrequency system by examining histology and monitoring temperature distribution in the disc, epidural space, and adjacent to the nerve roots. In our study we used two human cadaver lumbar spines, one moderately to severely degenerated and the other mildly degenerated.

Setting And Interventions: Radiofrequency ablation of the disc posterior annulus is a theoretically plausible technique to ablate the nociceptors and to modify collagen of the annulus fibrosus.