Therapeutic effect of intradiscal pulsed radiofrequency on internal disc disruption: A case report

RATIONALE: Discogenic low back pain often persists despite medication and medical intervention. In this study, intradiscal pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) was performed in a patient with discogenic low back pain who did not respond to oral medication, posterior medial branch block, epidural steroid injection, and percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 28-year-old woman visited a pain clinic complaining of low back pain that was scored 8 out of 10 on a numerical rating scale. Her pain was present in any position throughout the day and worsened in the sitting position. DIAGNOSES: Magnetic resonance imaging showed L5-S1 internal discal disruption. Based on the medical history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging, we determined that her pain originated from the L5-S1 disc. INTERVENTIONS: We performed an intradiscal PRF on the affected disc under C-arm fluoroscopy guidance. PRF was performed at 5 Hz, 20-ms pulse width, and 70 V for 15 minutes while ensuring that the electrode tip temperature was maintained below 42°C. OUTCOMES: Immediately after the procedure, the patient's pain subsided. At the 1-month follow-up visit, the patient reported complete relief of her low back pain. The Oswestry disability index, which indicates the degree of disability, improved significantly. She also reported that she could sit for long periods because the pain was reduced. No adverse effects from the procedure were found. LESSONS: Applying intradiscal PRF seems an effective and safe technique for treating discogenic low back pain.