Effects of high-intensity focused ultrasound on the intervertebral disc: A potential therapy for disc herniations
Purpose. To determine the potential application of high-intensity focused ultrasound for the minimally invasive treatment of herniated intervertebral discs by developing a probe that produces sufficiently high temperature locally to shrink collagen fibers (65-75 degrees C). Materials and Methods. A 5-mm ultrasound probe was produced with a geometric focal length of 15 mm. The probe produced 2.5 W
