Radiofrequency Facet Joint Denervation

Dimitris Papadopoulos MD Fellow Of Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP)

Updated 19 June, 2011

GENERAL

It is a therapeutic minimally invasive technique that reduces pain of degenerated and painful joints in the cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine.
The small nerve branches innervating these facet joints are identified and ablated with application of radiowaves that increase locally the nerve branch temperature and, as a result, reduce pain signals conducted from the specific joints to the brain.

How long does the therapeutic effect of radiofrequency facet joint denervation last?

The degree of relief varies from person to person. It is also related to the technique with which radiofrequency is applied by the therapist physician. In general, the analgesic result lasts from 6 to 18 months, while in some patients it may last up to 3 years. When pain reccurs, the treatment can be repeated. More than 70% of patients to whom radiofrequency facet joint denervation is applied, experience significant to total relief.

How safe is the application of the technique?

In general terms, the technique is very safe with a high success rate. It is applied while the patient is under local anaesthesia and conscious sedation. Fluoroscopic guidance is used for placing the needle next to the nerve branches that are to be ablated. Side-effects of the method are well tolerated by the patient. Your physician can inform you about the details of the technique, regarding risks and complications.

Which are the side-effects of the technique?
The main side-effects are: a) moderate pain at puncture sites after the effect of local anaesthesia has passed and b) mild local oedema, caused by elevation of temperature in the tissues surrounding the nerve branch to which radiofrequency has been applied. The above symptoms subside within one week at the latest. In order to cope with them, the patient receives paracetamol or/and anti-inflammatory drugs for 3 to 7 days.