What is it?
Facet RF or neurotomy is a procedure which results in interruption of the nerve supply to a facet joint. Denervation is accomplished by a radiofrequency probe that heats the small nerve branches to each facet joint.
How many facets are treated?
Based on your symptoms and your diagnostic block, your doctor will determine which facet(s) may be causing your pain.
Will I know right away if the procedure worked?
No, it may take several weeks before the results are known, but most patients notice improvement in 2 weeks.
Does the procedure hurt?
Most patients feel mild discomfort only during the placement of the need. After that, local anesthetic is used to prevent pain.
How long does it take?
The neurotomy takes 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of levels to be done.
Do I need to be put asleep for the procedure?
No. The procedure is done under local anesthesia because you need to be able to tell your doctor what you are feeling to improve results.
What should I expect after the procedure?
We advise patients to take it easy the day of the procedure. You may need to apply ice to the affected area for 20-30 minutes at a time for the next 48 hours. Your doctor will provide specific activity restrictions as indicated.
Are there any potential risks to the procedure?
Generally speaking the procedure is safe, however with any procedure there are associated risks, side effects, and complications. The most common side effect is temporary discomfort following the procedure. Increased localized back pain and/or leg pain can be expected from several days to several weeks and rarely several months. Destabilization of the facet joint is a risk and post injection training to strengthen the extensor muscles can reduce this possibility. Fortunately, because the procedure is performed with x-ray guidance in a controlled environment, serious side effects and complications are rare.
Facet RF or neurotomy is a procedure which results in interruption of the nerve supply to a facet joint. Denervation is accomplished by a radiofrequency probe that heats the small nerve branches to each facet joint.
How many facets are treated?
Based on your symptoms and your diagnostic block, your doctor will determine which facet(s) may be causing your pain.
Will I know right away if the procedure worked?
No, it may take several weeks before the results are known, but most patients notice improvement in 2 weeks.
Does the procedure hurt?
Most patients feel mild discomfort only during the placement of the need. After that, local anesthetic is used to prevent pain.
How long does it take?
The neurotomy takes 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of levels to be done.
Do I need to be put asleep for the procedure?
No. The procedure is done under local anesthesia because you need to be able to tell your doctor what you are feeling to improve results.
What should I expect after the procedure?
We advise patients to take it easy the day of the procedure. You may need to apply ice to the affected area for 20-30 minutes at a time for the next 48 hours. Your doctor will provide specific activity restrictions as indicated.
Are there any potential risks to the procedure?
Generally speaking the procedure is safe, however with any procedure there are associated risks, side effects, and complications. The most common side effect is temporary discomfort following the procedure. Increased localized back pain and/or leg pain can be expected from several days to several weeks and rarely several months. Destabilization of the facet joint is a risk and post injection training to strengthen the extensor muscles can reduce this possibility. Fortunately, because the procedure is performed with x-ray guidance in a controlled environment, serious side effects and complications are rare.
