Facet Radiofrequency Neurotomy (Facet RF)

Facet Radiofrequency Neurotomy (Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation)

If your Pain Management Physician has determined that your pain is a result of facet joint injury and the pain has persisted despite conservative therapy, then facet joint blocks may be performed to help both therapeutically and diagnostically. If short term relief is obtained from facet nerve blocks, then this procedure can be followed by Facet Nerve Radiofrequency Neurotomy (RF) to provide longer term relief (usually over 6 months to 1 year or longer). RF is a minimally-invasive procedure which blocks the pain associated with facet joint disease by disrupting the medial branch nerve (facet nerve) that carries the pain signals.

How is the Radiofrequency Neurotomy performed?

Radiofrequency (RF) is performed under Fluoroscopic guidance in a procedure room, ambulatory surgical center or surgical suite. The patient is placed face down on the procedure table and the affected area is prepped in sterile fashion. Local anesthetic (numbing medication) is then used to numb up the area where the needle will be placed. Using the Fluoroscopic guidance the needle-like tube (cannula) is carefully advanced along the facet nerve at the affected level. The Radiofrequency electrode is then advanced through the cannula and the facet nerve is stimulated to ensure appropriate localization of the nerve. The patient will experience a tingling, pressure, pain, twitching, thumping or tapping in the painful area during stimulation testing that helps to localize the correct position of the needle.

After appropriate localization, the RF needle tip is then heated up to block the signal transmitted from the facet nerve to the brain. The needle is then removed and a small band-aid is placed over the puncture site. Sometimes there is an increase in pain for a couple days following the procedure, but usually patients will experience significant pain relief within the first week or two, and sometime within the first couple days. Generally the pain relief can be expected to last for over 6 months to 1 year. The procedure may be repeated if necessary.

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