Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency neurotomy (also called radiofrequency ablation or lesioning) is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide lasting relief to those suffering from facet joint pain.[1] In fact, multiple clinical studies show that radiofrequency neurotomy significantly reduces pain severity and frequency for 1 to 2 years in the majority of patients.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
Radiofrequency neurotomy involves applying heat to certain nerve pathways to "shut off" the transmission of pain signals to the brain. It is performed on an outpatient basis and requires only local anesthetic and mild sedation, alleviating the possible complications of open surgery and general anesthesia. It has a high success rate[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] low complication rate,[1][4][5][6][7] and is covered by Medicare and most private insurers.
Benefits of radiofrequency ablation include:
- Pain relief for up to 2 years[9][10][11][12][13][14][15]
- Significant and longer lasting pain relief compared to steroid injections[13]
- Low complication and morbidity rates[9][12][13][14][16]
- Appreciable pain relief compared to surgery: Nearly half of back pain sufferers are not helped by surgery[15]
- Greater range of motion[9][12][16]
- Lower use of analgesics[9][12]
- Improved quality of life[9]
- Short recovery time
Testimonials
Downloads
Radiofrequency Ablation Patient Brochure (121 KB, PDF)
Physician Locator
Use the online physician locator to find a radiofrequency ablation specialist in your area.
Before the procedure
Your doctor will confirm your diagnosis by making sure that you’ve had at least 2 successful medial branch blocks.[17] If you are a good candidate, your doctor will ask you for the following information:
- Current medications, including herbal supplements, and their dosages
- Drug, iodine, or latex allergies
- Current health conditions
Your physician or the healthcare staff will also request that you:
- Do not take aspirin, ASA-containing products (including Alka-Seltzer® or Pepto-Bismol®) or herbal remedies for 5 days before your procedure
- Do not use ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for 3 days before your procedure
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before your procedure, except necessary medications with sips of water
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
During the procedure
Radiofrequency neurotomy is performed while you are awake but sedated. To begin, the area to be treated is numbed with a local anesthetic. Using x-ray guidance, your doctor will insert a needle and electrode into the treatment location. After confirming correct placement, a high-frequency electrical current is passed through the electrode, heating up and lesioning the sensory nerve. Once the procedure is complete, the needle and electrode are removed.
After the procedure
Typically patients go home within 1 to 3 hours. You may experience some initial discomfort immediately after the procedure, but most patients are able to return to work and their normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours. After a few days, you should notice a marked decrease in pain and continued improvement over the next several weeks. You can expect pain relief lasting up to 2 years.[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] Because nerves do repair themselves, your pain may return, but the procedure can be done again with similar results.
