A double blind randomised controlled crossover trial of radiofrequency annuloplasty for the treatment of low back pain

INTERVENTION: Treatment group will have radiofrequency annuloplasty. Placebo group same protocol but no lesioning performed ‐ RF generator on test mode. CONDITION: Musculoskeletal Diseases: Low back pain ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Low back pain PRIMARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. 16‐70 years at first assessment 2. Moderate/severe discogenic pain 3. Oswestry disability index 20% + 4. Failed 6 months conservative treatment 5. No previous disc surgery at symptomatic levels; Body Mass Index (BMI) average or overweight range 6. Loss of disc height not >50% of normal level on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or X‐ray 7. Max two level pathology on MRI scan confirmed by discography