Background: Degenerated discs producing discogenic back pain had nerves reportedly to be present in the inner third of the annulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus. The electromagnetic field of the intradiscal radiofrequency (PRF) method was focused at the center of the target disc.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the better management and reducing chronic discogenic low back pain (LBP) and disability.
Patients and methods: This study included 26 patients who were diagnosed with chronic LBP without radiculopathy or neural compromise in MRI and carried out at Neurosurgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University. Complete history taking, clinical examination radiological examination were done preoperatively and postoperatively.
Results: The present study included 26 patients with age ranged from 16 to 58 years. The majority of our patients were classified to be overweight by 38.4%. Level of physical activity was reported by patients; 38.5%, 30.8%, 19.2% and 11.5% had moderate, vigorous, light and sedentary physical activity respectively. MRI imaging was done for all patients pre and postoperatively with no change reported as larger percentage had disc bulge (65.4%), followed by black disc (34.6%). Among the studied patients, 73.1% had decrease in mean CPK postoperatively. Regarding final outcome (improvement in both OSI and VAS), 17 patients had successful outcome. There was statistically non-significant association between outcome and either age, sex, BMI, occupation, exercise level, preoperative MRI findings, CPK, OSI, VAS or sitting intolerance. Age, BMI, CPK, OSI and sitting intolerance were non-significantly higher among those with failed outcome.
Conclusion: Intradiscal radiofrequency appears to be an effective method for selected patients with chronic discogenic low back pain.