Post IDET Instructions

• After the procedure begin immediate use of the Ortho-Lign brace.  This brace needs to be obtained prior to IDET procedure.
  
  
• You will be asked to visit a physical therapist once before your procedure and once or twice after your IDET procedure for instruction on body mechanics and restrictions post procedure.
  
  
• For 2 weeks after the procedure, follow strict guidelines of No Bending or Sitting greater than 15 minutes.
  
  
• After 2 weeks, you may begin a gentle stretching program which will be reviewed with you by your physician and physical therapist.
  
  
• Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor for 2 weeks after the IDET.
  
  
• For 6-8 weeks after the IDET procedure, do not bend, lift or sit for longer than 30 minutes.
  
  
• The brace will need to be worn for 6-8 weeks after the procedure.
  
  
• 8 weeks after the IDET procedure you may begin a formal therapy program.
  
  
• You will have considerable discomfort after the IDET procedure.  You will probably begin to feel better within 4 weeks of the IDET procedure.
  
  
• Significant improvement should be noted 2-4 months after the IDET procedure.
  
  
• SpineCATH IDET therapy is a minimally invasive treatment in which the physician applies controlled levels of thermal energy to a broad section of the affected disc wall.  This treatment is effective when there are cracks or fissures in the wall of the intervertebral disc.  For more information, please click here to review the Oratec website.