New, Minimally Invasive Intracept Procedure® Shows Promise for Low Back Pain

Picture of Dr. Koreckij showing a spine model to a patient

LEAWOOD, Kan. – Patients with chronic lower back pain may be candidates for the Intracept Clinical Study, available through spine surgeon Theodore Koreckij, M.D. at Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics.

The Intracept Clinical Study is evaluating the Intracept Procedure®, a minimally invasive procedure for the relief of chronic low back pain. Patients who qualify and choose to participate will receive the procedure and all study-related care at no cost.

How It Works

The Intracept Procedure is designed to block the transmission of pain signals from the basiverterbral nerve in the lower back. “I make a small incision, only about 3-5mm, in the patient’s lower back,” Dr. Koreckij said. “From there, I advance a specialized probe into the vertebrae, positioning at the precise location of that pain-sensing basivertebral nerve.” Once positioned, the Intracept probe uses a type of heat known as radiofrequency energy to disable the basivertebral nerve, rendering it unable to transmit pain signals.

Dr. Koreckij has been offering this treatment option as part of the nationwide Intracept Clinical Study since September 2017.

“The results have been positive, with many patients experiencing back pain relief almost immediately,” he said. “The procedure takes 60-90 minutes, and because it’s minimally invasive, there is little to no down time for the patient.”

Why New Treatment Options Are Needed for Lower Back Pain

According to Relievant Medsystems, the medical device company that developed the Intracept Procedure, chronic low back pain affects about 30 million Americans, costing nearly $150 billion in treatment and lost productivity each year. Further, Relievant reports that more conservative therapies (such as activity modification, medications, bracing, physical therapy, manipulation and steroid injections) can fail to provide adequate pain relief for approximately 80 percent of patients with chronic lower back pain.

As a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Dr. Koreckij specializes in a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for adult degenerative disorders of the spine and conditions associated with metastatic disease. He says his commitment to evidence-based medicine and staying current in the latest treatments for spine diseases led to his involvement in the clinical study.

“When leaders in the field approached me about the opportunity to participate, I was eager to assist for the benefit of patients and the larger field of study for chronic lower back pain,” he said.

Physicians who are considering referring patients to Dr. Koreckij for the Intracept Clinical Study can get more details about the criteria here. Referring physicians and potential candidates can learn more by watching this Intracept Procedure informational video or by visiting the clinical study website.

To speak with Dr. Koreckij about treatment options for back- and spine-related pain, please call 913-319-7600 for an appointment.

About Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics

Since 1923, Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics has provided high quality orthopedic care. The patient care team includes board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and interventional physiatrists, as well as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, durable medical equipment specialists and more. With locations in Leawood and Kansas City, Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics offers surgical and non-surgical treatment options across all subspecialties of orthopedic medicine.

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