Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a proven means of interrupting pain signals, such as those coming from irritated facet joints in the spine, genicular nerves in the knee, and femoral and obturator nerves in the hip.
This is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, outpatient procedure that targets the nerve or nerves causing the pain. Radiofrequency current is used to heat up a small volume of nerve tissue to interrupt the pain signals at their source.
Minimally invasive
RFA is an outpatient procedure carried out under local anesthetic. Most people can return to their normal activities within 24 hours.
Proven outcomes
More than 70% of patients treated with RFA experience relief lasting anywhere from six to twelve months – and in some cases, years.
Versatile
RFA can be used to treat a wide variety of pain indications from arthritic joint pain in the hip and knee to neuropathic pain in the back and neck.
Target the nerve
X-ray ultrasound imaging helps guide a special probe to the target area to help determine the optimal treatment locations.
Disable the nerve
The electrodes then send a small radiofrequency current into the surrounding tissue. This heats the tissue and disable the nerve so it stops sending pain signals.
Repeat for multiple pain areas
Generally, one to four nerves are targeted in one procedure to maximize pain relief.
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1. Chaiban G, Paradis T, Atallah J. Use of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance in percutaneous radiofrequency lesioning of the sensory branches of the femoral and obturator nerves. Pain Pract. 2013 [Epub ahead of print].
2. Gupta G, Radhakrishna M, Etheridge P, Besemann M, Finlayson RJ. Radiofrequency denervation of the hip joint for pain management: case report and literature review. US Army Med Dep J. 2014 Apr-Jun:41-51.
3. Gauci CA. Radiofrequency treatment of the lumbar medial branch. Cosman Procedure Technique Series. USA; 2009.
4. Dreyfuss P, et al. Efficacy and Validity of Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Chronic Lumbar Zygapophysial Joint Pain. Spine 2000.
5. Gofeld M, et al. Radiofrequency Denervation of the Lumbar Zygapophysial Joints – Targeting the Best Practice Authors. Pain Physician 2007; 10:291-299.
6. Govind J, et al. Radiofrequency neurotomy for the treatment of third occipital headache. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry 2003; 88-93
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