Intracept.
A single procedure for vertebrogenic low back pain.
Targeted ablation of the basivertebral nerve — the nerve carrying pain signals from the vertebral endplate — for chronic vertebrogenic low back pain confirmed on MRI by Modic endplate changes.
A specific diagnosis with a specific treatment.
A subset of chronic low back pain originates in the vertebral endplates themselves, signaled by characteristic Modic changes on MRI. The basivertebral nerve carries those pain signals out of the vertebral body. Intracept is a one-time, image-guided radiofrequency ablation of that nerve. The diagnosis is what makes the treatment work — without Modic type 1 or 2 changes on MRI, Intracept is not the right tool.
A single fluoroscopic procedure under sedation.
You lie prone under sedation. Under fluoroscopy, a small portal is made and a specialized probe is advanced into the vertebral body through the pedicle. The probe is positioned at the basivertebral nerve, and radiofrequency energy is delivered to ablate it. The procedure typically takes one to two hours including treatment of two adjacent levels. Same-day discharge.
For chronic vertebrogenic low back pain confirmed by MRI.
Intracept is appropriate for patients with chronic axial low back pain of at least six months duration, Modic type 1 or 2 endplate changes on MRI at L3-S1, and failure of conservative care. The pain pattern is classically deep, central, axial, and worse with prolonged sitting or standing. It is not effective for disc herniation pain, facet-mediated pain, or radiculopathy.
Effect builds over months. One treatment, potentially years of relief.
Improvement typically builds over the first three months as the nerve fully degenerates. Light activity within days. We restrict heavy lifting for two weeks. Published clinical data shows durable relief lasting five or more years in many responders. Intracept is a one-time treatment per level — it is not designed to be repeated.
Stop accepting the downtime.
A specific procedure for a specific kind of low back pain. Schedule a consultation at any Triumph location.