A minimally invasive technique using heat energy to interrupt pain signals from joints and nerves. Effective for facet-mediated pain, sacroiliac joints, knee arthritis, and other pain generators. Relief can last a year or more.
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Cervical radiofrequency ablation targets the medial branch nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints of the neck. By applying controlled heat, the nerve is disrupted and relief can last from several months to over a year. The procedure can be safely repeated as needed.
Chronic neck pain from cervical facet joint arthritis or facet-mediated pain, confirmed by successful diagnostic medial branch blocks.
You lie face-down and the neck area is numbed. Electrodes are precisely positioned at the medial branch nerves under fluoroscopy. Sensory and motor testing confirms correct placement, then heat is applied for 60 to 90 seconds per site. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Soreness at the treatment sites is common for one to two weeks. Full relief typically develops over four to six weeks and may last 12 to 18 months or longer. The procedure can be repeated when pain returns.
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Lumbar radiofrequency ablation deactivates the medial branch nerves supplying the lumbar facet joints. These joints are a common and often overlooked source of low back pain. Relief can be substantial and long-lasting, allowing patients to reduce medication use and improve activity levels.
Chronic low back pain from lumbar facet joint arthritis, confirmed by prior diagnostic medial branch blocks.
Performed face-down with fluoroscopic guidance. Electrodes are placed along the medial branch nerves at the affected lumbar levels. Electrical testing confirms proper placement before heat is applied to each nerve site. The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Some increased soreness may occur for one to two weeks before improvement begins. Most patients notice significant relief by four to six weeks. Relief typically lasts 12 months or more and the procedure can be repeated when pain returns.
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Genicular radiofrequency ablation targets three small nerves around the knee that carry pain signals from the joint. By disrupting these nerves, significant and durable relief is achieved without surgery, steroid injections, or general anesthesia. It is an excellent option for patients with moderate to severe knee arthritis.
Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis in patients who are not surgical candidates or wish to delay knee replacement surgery.
You lie on your back with the knee slightly bent. Three electrode positions are placed at the superior medial, superior lateral, and inferior medial genicular nerves under fluoroscopy. After testing confirms placement, heat is applied to each nerve. The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Mild swelling or bruising around the knee may occur for a few days. Pain relief typically develops over one to three weeks and can last six to twelve months or longer. Physical therapy is often recommended alongside this treatment.
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The sacroiliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis and is a common but underdiagnosed source of low back and buttock pain. Lateral branch radiofrequency ablation targets the nerves supplying this joint, providing sustained relief without altering the joint structure.
Chronic low back and buttock pain from sacroiliac joint dysfunction, confirmed by prior diagnostic SI joint injections.
You lie face-down and the lower sacral area is numbed. Multiple electrode positions are used along the lateral branches at S1 through S3, and sometimes L5. After stimulation testing confirms placement, energy is applied to each site. The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Some soreness in the treated area is expected for one to two weeks. Pain relief may be felt within three to four weeks and typically lasts six to eighteen months. The procedure can be safely repeated.