Radiofrequency Ablation

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation, also known as radiofrequency neurotomy, could resolve chronic pain in patients for whom other treatments aren’t proving effective.

The treatment uses radio wave energy to create heat that Dr. Faust applies to selected nerves, which disrupts the pain signaling process. As a result, the nerves causing your pain can’t transmit messages to your brain, effectively easing your symptoms.

Radiofrequency ablation provides long-lasting relief from chronic pain, although the degree of pain relief you experience is unpredictable. In most cases, though, patients who undergo radiofrequency ablation benefit from a reduction in pain following their treatment.

What conditions can radiofrequency ablation treat?

Radiofrequency ablation is a suitable treatment for conditions affecting the spine and large joints like your knees. You might benefit from radiofrequency ablation for severe and persistent:

• Spinal arthritis
• Facet joint syndrome
• Sacroiliac joint pain
• Knee arthritis

Radiofrequency ablation isn’t something Dr. Faust uses as part of your initial treatment program, because most patients find relief with less invasive treatments. However, it could be a good option when treatments like physical therapy and medication aren’t helping.

To determine whether radiofrequency ablation would be helpful and pinpoint the nerves responsible for your pain, Dr. Faust gives you an injection of local anesthetic called a nerve block. When your pain recedes, it tells Dr. Faust which nerves to target with radiofrequency ablation.

What happens during the radiofrequency ablation procedure?

Before starting your radiofrequency ablation procedure, Dr. Faust gives you a sedative via an intravenous line in your arm. The sedative ensures you stay relaxed and unstressed during your treatment.

The next stage is having a local anesthetic that numbs your skin at the treatment site. Dr. Faust inserts a slender needle into your spine or knee using image guidance technology such as fluoroscopy, a moving X-ray that gives him a view of the needle’s path.

When it’s in place, Dr. Faust inserts a microelectrode and delivers the radiofrequency energy to your nerves. The effects of radiofrequency ablation treatment typically last for six to twelve months but can endure for longer. Eventually, the treated nerves regenerate and your pain could come back, so you might need further treatments.

To find out more about radiofrequency ablation and how it could help relieve your back or knee pain, call Faust Interventional Pain today or book an appointment online.