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Radiofrequency Ablation

A radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a type of injection procedure in which a heat lesion is created on certain nerves with the goal of interrupting the pain signals to the brain, thus eliminating or reducing pain.

medial branch neurotomy affects the nerves carrying pain from the facet joints, and a lateral branch neurotomy affects nerves that carry pain from the sacroiliac joints (SIJ). These medial or lateral branch nerves do not control any muscles or sensation in the arms or legs, so there is no danger of negatively affecting those areas. The medial branch nerves do control small muscles in the neck and mid or low back, but loss of these nerves has not proved harmful.

Before this procedure is undertaken, the joints and branch nerves will have already been proven to be painful by a diagnostic form of spinal injection, and will not have responded to other treatment methods. If effective, the neurotomy should provide pain relief lasting at least three to fourteen months and sometimes much longer. After this period of time, however, the nerve will regenerate and the pain may return.

Success rates vary, but typically about 30% to 50% of patients undergoing this procedure will experience significant pain relief for as long as two years. Of the remaining patients, about 50% will get some pain relief for a shorter period. Some patients do not experience any relief from pain as a result of this procedure.

Anatomy of facet joints and sacroiliac joint 
Facet joints are pairs of small joints that are situated at each vertebral level of the spine. Each facet joint is connected to two medial nerves that carry signals (including pain signals) away from the spine to the rest of the body. The sacroiliac joints are located at the lowest part of the spine between the sacrum and ilium in the pelvis. The SI joints are innervated by small nerves that carry signals (including pain signals) to the brain, via the spinal cord, where pain is then perceived.

Radiofrequency ablation procedure 
As with many spinal injections, radiofrequency ablation is best performed under fluoroscopy (live x-ray) for guidance in properly targeting and placing the needle (and for avoiding nerve injury or other injury). On the day of the injection, patients are advised to avoid driving and doing any strenuous activities. Patients may continue to take any normal medications except aspirin or any other blood-thinning medications, such as Coumadin.

If you have already undergone any spinal injections with Dr. Suthar, you may already know that a generous amount of local anesthetic is provided. In addition, we will continue to monitor your comfort and facilitate steps to make your experience a good one.

The RFA ablation procedure includes the following steps:

  • You will lie face down on an x-ray table and the skin over low back is well cleaned.
  • Dr. Suthar numbs a small area of skin with medicine (anesthetic), which may sting for a few seconds.
  • Dr. Suthar will use x-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to direct a special (radiofrequency) needle alongside either the medial or lateral branch nerves.
  • A small amount of electrical current will then be carefully passed through the needle to assure it is next to the target nerve. This should briefly recreate the usual pain and cause a muscle twitch in the back.
  • You may experience slight burning and tingling.
  • The nerves will then be numbed to minimize pain while the lesion is being created.
  • This process will be repeated for 1 to 5 additional nerves.
  • The entire procedure usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes. Additional time is required for paper-work and post-injection care.

Radiofrequency ablation results and follow-up 
On the day after the procedure, you may cautiously return to regular activities. The area of treatment will usually be very sore during the next one to four days. This pain is usually caused by muscle spasms and irritability while the targeted nerves are dying from the heat lesion over the next seven to fourteen days. You may continue with previous medications for pain to treat the expected soreness, and may also apply ice (or heat or warm towels) to the sore area to alleviate discomfort. Patients usually will want to rest for several days before returning to normal activities.

If pain relief is going to occur, full pain relief will typically not be experienced until about two to three weeks after the procedure when the nerves have completely died. On occasion, the back or neck may feel odd or slightly weak for several weeks after the procedure.

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13710 Olive Boulevard (Primary Office)
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Telephone: 314-469-PAIN (7246)

Fax: 314-469-7251
Exchange: 314-441-6965 (for after-hour Emergencies Only)

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Monday thru Friday
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