The term intervertebral disc annuloplasty indicates any procedure aimed at repairing the annulus

Annulus fibrosus disci intervertebralis

Each intervertebral fibrocartilage is composed, at its circumference, of laminæ of fibrous tissue and fibrocartilage, forming the annulus fibrosus.-Spelling notes:...

 of a bulging intervertebral disc

Intervertebral disc

Intervertebral discs lie between adjacent vertebrae in the spine. Each disc forms a cartilaginous joint to allow slight movement of the vertebrae, and acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together.-Structure:...

 before it herniates

Spinal disc herniation

A spinal disc herniation , informally and misleadingly called a "slipped disc", is a medical condition affecting the spine due to trauma, lifting injuries, or idiopathic, in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc allows the soft, central portion A spinal disc herniation...

.

Intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty

IDET ("Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty") is a recently developed minimally invasive

Minimally invasive procedure

There are three main categories which describe the invasiveness of surgical procedures. These are: non-invasive procedures, minimally invasive procedures, and invasive procedures ....

form of annuloplasty consisting of the insertion in the affected disc of a hollow needle, through which a heating wire is passed; once this has reached the disc, the wire is heated to 90°C for approximately fifteen minutes. The heat is intended to seal any ruptures in the disc wall and may also burn nerve endings, which can make the area less sensitive to pain.