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Intracept®

Intracept Procedure Specialist in Maiden, MA & Stoneham, MA

What is Vertebrogenic Pain?

Vertebrogenic pain is a distinct type of chronic low back pain caused by damage to vertebral endplates, the tissue that covers the top and the bottom of each vertebral body and separates it from the disc. Disc degeneration, and the wear and tear that occurs with everyday living, produces stresses on the endplates that damage them, leading to inflammation and vertebrogenic pain. The basivertebral nerve (BVN), found within the vertebrae, carries pain signals from the inflamed endplates to the brain.

How Do Patients Describe Vertebrogenic Pain?

The disc and endplate are both part of the anterior spinal column and produce similar low back pain symptoms. However, endplate pain is associated with distinctive changes on routine MRI called Modic changes. Patients who find relief from the Intracept Procedure often describe pain in the middle of their low back that is made worse by physical activity, prolonged sitting, and bending forward or with bending and lifting.1

How is Vertebrogenic Pain Treated?

The basivertebral nerve (BVN) enters the bone at the back of the vertebral body (the bones in your spine) and “branches” to the endplates (that are located at the top and the bottom of each vertebral body). When endplates are damaged, these nerve endings increase in number and “pick up” pain signals that are then sent to the brain through the BVN. The Intracept® Procedure relieves vertebrogenic pain by heating the basivertebral nerve (BVN) with a radiofrequency probe to stop it from sending pain signals to the brain.

How does the Intracept® Procedure Work?

The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive, implant free procedure that preserves the overall structure of the spine. The Intracept Procedure is a same-day, outpatient procedure. Patients are under anesthesia, and the procedure generally lasts an hour. The procedure is FDA-cleared and is proven in multiple studies to be safe, effective, and durable. 2,3

How Long Does Pain Relief Last following the Intracept® Procedure?

Clinical evidence demonstrates the majority of patients experience significant improvements in function and pain 3-months post procedure that are sustained more than 5 years after a single treatment.2
1 Koreckij T, Kreiner S, Khalil JG, Smuck M, Markman J, Garfin S. Prospective, randomized, multicenter study of intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain: 24-month treatment arm results. NASSJ. Published online October 26, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xnsj.2021.100089.

2 Fischgrund J, Rhyne A, Macadaeg K, et al. Long-term outcomes following intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain: 5-year treatment arm results from a prospective randomized double-blind sham-controlled multi-center study. Eur Spine J. 2020;29(8):1925-34. doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06448-x

3 Relievant data on file as of January 2023.

How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate for Intracept®?

The Intracept® Procedure is indicated for patients who have had:

  • Chronic low back pain for at least six months

  • Who have tried conservative care for at least six months, and

  • Whose MRI shows features consistent with Modic changes – indicating damage at the vertebral endplates has led to inflammation
The Intracept Procedure, as with any procedure, has risks that should be discussed between the patient and medical provider.

Long-Term Relief for Chronic Low Back Pain at Agility Orthopedics

Agility Orthopedics understands how chronic low back pain can interfere with daily life. For many individuals, this persistent pain originates from damage to the vertebral endplates, resulting in a condition known as vertebrogenic pain.

If you’ve been living with chronic back pain that hasn’t responded to physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections, the Intracept® Procedure may offer real, lasting relief. This minimally invasive treatment targets the basivertebral nerve, which transmits pain signals from the spine. Agility Orthopedics helps patients across Malden and Stoneham, MA, reclaim comfort and function by treating the source, not just the symptoms.

What Is the Intracept® Procedure?

The Intracept® Procedure is an innovative, outpatient treatment to alleviate vertebrogenic low back pain. A specialized radiofrequency probe is advanced into the vertebra to reach the basivertebral nerve through a small incision and the use of fluoroscopic imaging. Heat is then applied to interrupt the nerve’s ability to send pain signals. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes less than 90 minutes. It requires no implants or spinal fusion and is backed by strong clinical evidence showing long-term pain reduction.

Serving Patients in Malden and Stoneham, MA with Minimally Invasive Spine Care

Agility Orthopedics proudly offers advanced spine care services, including the Intracept Procedure, at multiple convenient locations throughout Malden and Stoneham, MA. Trust our team for expert evaluation and targeted treatment of chronic lower back pain. Our integrated approach combines the latest diagnostic imaging, clinical expertise, and interventional techniques to help patients avoid unnecessary surgery and return to their daily lives sooner.

Are You a Candidate for Basivertebral Nerve Ablation?

You may be a candidate for the Intracept® Procedure if you have experienced chronic low back pain for six months or longer and have not found relief from conservative therapies. Candidates typically have Modic Type 1 or Type 2 changes on MRI, indicating inflammation and degeneration at the vertebral endplates. These changes suggest that the basivertebral nerve plays a role in the pain. At Agility Orthopedics, our team will review your medical history and imaging results to determine if this treatment is suitable for your condition.

What to Expect from Intracept® Treatment

During the procedure, you’ll be placed under anesthesia, and a small incision will be made to access the affected vertebra. Our physician guides the probe through the pedicle and into the vertebral body using real-time imaging. Once in place, radiofrequency energy is delivered to the basivertebral nerve, disrupting pain signaling at its source. After the procedure, most patients return home the same day. While mild discomfort is common, most people resume normal activities within one to two weeks and report a steady improvement in pain.

Intracept Procedure

Why Choose Agility Orthopedics for Intracept®?

Agility Orthopedics is a trusted leader in spine and orthopedic care across Central Malden and Stoneham, MA. Dr. Kapasi is experienced in performing the Intracept procedure and is dedicated to providing patient-centered care tailored to your specific needs. From diagnosis to recovery, we are committed to helping you move forward with reduced pain and increased confidence.

If chronic low back pain keeps you from working, contact Agility Orthopedics today to schedule a consultation and determine whether the Intracept® Procedure is right for you.

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