Histological Changes and Temperature Distribution Studies of a Novel Bipolar Radiofrequency Heating System in Degenerated and Nondegenerated Human Cadaver Lumbar Discs

Abstract

Temperatures reached in the posterior annulus during transdiscal biacuplasty were greater than required (45 degrees C) for neuroablation. Temperatures reached at the neural foramina and epidural were low enough to avoid neural damage.