Facet joints, radiofrequency denervation of

A minimally invasive surgical procedure done to relieve symptoms of confirmed facet joint disease. This procedure is used primarily on patients that have received positive results from several treatments of steroid injections into the facet joint. The fact that the injections relieved the pain gives the doctor a confirmation that the pain is indeed being caused by the facet joint nerves

The patient is given a local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area. The doctor inserts a needle or thin catheter into the area where the small sensory nerves meet the affected facet joint. This needle is viewed under live x-ray. An electrical current will be sent through the needle to make sure that it is in the correct proximity to the affected nerve. The catheter contains a tiny electrode that is heated up using radiofrequency waves. This heat stuns or kills the nerve endings, blocking the pain in the joint. The procedure takes between 30 to 60 minutes to complete and the patient can return home almost immediately.

There are a 2 main varieties of radiofrequency waves, steady and pulse. Steady waves simply heat the area till the doctor feels that the nerve has been sufficiently silenced. Pulse waves are used in very sensitive areas, such as the neck. These waves are emitted in highly concentrated bursts. The damage to surrounding nerves is minimized with the usage of pulse wave technology.

The procedure is a surgery and does have some minor risks. There is the chance for infection, continued bleeding, or damage to other spinal nerves. There is also the chance of an unsuccessful outcome and continuing pain.


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