Radiofrequency ablation of facet nerves in Türkiye

Radiofrequency facet nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat neck pain or back pain caused by arthritis or injury to the facet joints. This procedure is also called RFD or radiofrequency neurectomy.

The facet joints (in the vertebrae) are small joints in the back of the spine that provide stability and flexibility. They can become painful with age, abrasion, or injury. Studies show that the facet joints are the source of pain for up to 40% of elderly patients with back pain and more than 50% of patients with neck pain.

These joints can be damaged by:

normal activity.
aging.
Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
injury or accident.

Diagnosis:

The doctor uses a type of X-ray called fluorography to guide a needle (or several needles, depending on the number of joints affected) to the nerve connected to the damaged joint. The doctor then injects a local anesthetic to numb the nerve and compares the pain ratios before and after anesthesia. If the facet joints are diagnosed as the source of the pain, radiofrequency denervation of the facet joint may be an effective treatment for back or neck pain.

Radiofrequency denervation of the facet joint uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the function of the medial collateral nerve in transmitting pain signals.

Radiofrequency facet nerve ablation procedure in Türkiye:

Radiofrequency ablation of the facet nerve is performed in Türkiye as a routine procedure. During the procedure, the patient is first given intravenous sedation and a local anesthetic in the area where the needle was inserted into the skin. Then the needle is carefully directed through the X-ray to the vicinity of the medial branch nerve in the facet joint. After that, the doctor makes sure to reach the required nerve by stimulating it, and this may cause muscle twitching and some pain. After confirming that the area is anesthetized, radiofrequency energy is used to disable the nerve of the medial branch, and it may be necessary to treat many nerves to obtain the best rates of pain relief. Finally, the patient is monitored for 1-2 hours after the procedure.

side effects

Radiofrequency facet nerve ablation in Türkiye is a minimally invasive procedure with a low rate of serious side effects. But in general, the patient suffers from bruising and local discomfort and may feel pain for up to a week or two due to irritation of the muscles and nerves. It may take several weeks for complete pain relief, but most patients are able to return to work within two days after the operation.

Are the results permanent?

Nerves regenerate after articular denervation with radiofrequency, but this takes between six months and two years. There is a possibility that the pain will return when the nerve is renewed, but if the pain returns, the procedure can be repeated as needed.