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Thermal radiofrequency denervation X-ray guided
What is radiofrequency denervation?
Radiofrequency denervation may also be referred to as facet rhizolysis, radiofrequency ablation or radiofrequency neurotomy. It involves the use of radiofrequency waves to block the medial branch nerves around the facet joints in the back or neck that are causing pain. These nerves send pain signals to the brain when the facet joints are inflamed. The procedure is performed by inserting a needle into the back usually under general anesthesia, but can also be under local anesthesia, heating the tip of the needle with radiofrequency waves, which damages the nerve endings and stops pain signals from reaching the brain.
How does the procedure looks like?
Radiofrequency denervation is a procedure that can be performed in a hospital and typically allows patients to return home the same day without the need for an overnight stay. The procedure usually lasts between 30 minutes and an hour.
Patients lie face down during the procedure and their skin is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. A sedative may also be offered to help the patient relax. Using X-rays for guidance, the physician inserts a needle into the affected area in the back or neck. A small electric current is passed through the needle to confirm proper placement, and the patient may feel tingling or muscle twitching if the needle is near the correct nerve.
Once the needle is in the correct position, radiofrequency waves are applied to heat the tip of the needle and destroy the nerve endings. The physician may also inject a local anesthetic and steroid to relieve any potential discomfort after the procedure. Depending on the doctor’s preference, multiple areas can be treated at once, or they may choose to treat one side at a time, potentially with a few weeks between procedures to maximize the use of local anesthetic.
What happens after the radiofrequency denervation procedure?
Following the treatment, patients are monitored in a recovery area for a while before being allowed to go home. They may need to lie flat for at least 30 minutes, during which their vital signs will be checked and they will be asked about any side effects. They must have someone drive them home as driving is not allowed, and it is recommended for someone to stay with them for 24 hours post-procedure.
Pain is expected for the first one to two weeks following the procedure. It may worsen before it improves, but this should not cause alarm. Pain medication and staying active are recommended, but patients should not overdo it. As the pain subsides, they can gradually increase their activity levels, starting with light activities such as walking or swimming. The doctor will provide additional guidance on what can be done and when.
Thermal radiofrequency denervation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, and herniated disks. It involves using a radiofrequency probe to generate heat that is applied to the affected nerve(s) to disrupt the pain signals. X-ray guidance is used to ensure accurate placement of the probe and to monitor the temperature during the procedure. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and is associated with minimal downtime and minimal risk of complications.
The convalescence (recovery) period after thermal radiofrequency denervation is usually brief and patients can resume normal activities within a few days. However, the following steps can help ensure a smooth recovery:
- Pain management: Some pain or discomfort is normal after the procedure, but it should subside within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication or a prescription pain medication may be recommended by the physician to help manage discomfort.
- Rest: The patient should rest for the first 24 hours after the procedure and avoid strenuous activities during this time.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy or gentle exercises may be recommended to help improve range of motion and reduce the risk of developing muscle stiffness.
- Follow-up appointments: The patient should attend all follow-up appointments with the physician to monitor their progress and discuss any concerns.
- Avoiding certain activities: The patient should avoid activities that put excessive pressure on the treated area, such as heavy lifting or repetitive movements, for a specified period of time as advised by the physician.
It is important to follow the physician’s instructions carefully and to contact the physician if any unusual symptoms develop during the convalescence period.
These precautions to consider with thermal radiofrequency denervation procedure:
- Avoid driving: The patient should arrange for transportation as they will not be able to drive after the procedure due to the effects of the local anesthesia or sedation.
- Follow medication instructions: If prescribed pain medication, the patient should take it as directed and not exceed the recommended dosage.
- Avoid alcohol: The patient should avoid consuming alcohol for several hours after the procedure.
- Avoid heavy lifting: The patient should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a specified period of time as advised by the physician.
- Report any unusual symptoms: The patient should report any unusual symptoms, such as excessive pain, swelling, redness, or fever, to the physician immediately.
- Follow-up appointments: The patient should attend all follow-up appointments with the physician to monitor their progress and discuss any concerns.
It is important to follow the physician’s instructions carefully and to contact the physician if any questions or concerns arise during the recovery period.
- About the procedure
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Thermal radiofrequency denervation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, and herniated disks. It involves using a radiofrequency probe to generate heat that is applied to the affected nerve(s) to disrupt the pain signals. X-ray guidance is used to ensure accurate placement of the probe and to monitor the temperature during the procedure. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and is associated with minimal downtime and minimal risk of complications.
- Preparation
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- Convalescence
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The convalescence (recovery) period after thermal radiofrequency denervation is usually brief and patients can resume normal activities within a few days. However, the following steps can help ensure a smooth recovery:
- Pain management: Some pain or discomfort is normal after the procedure, but it should subside within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication or a prescription pain medication may be recommended by the physician to help manage discomfort.
- Rest: The patient should rest for the first 24 hours after the procedure and avoid strenuous activities during this time.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy or gentle exercises may be recommended to help improve range of motion and reduce the risk of developing muscle stiffness.
- Follow-up appointments: The patient should attend all follow-up appointments with the physician to monitor their progress and discuss any concerns.
- Avoiding certain activities: The patient should avoid activities that put excessive pressure on the treated area, such as heavy lifting or repetitive movements, for a specified period of time as advised by the physician.
It is important to follow the physician’s instructions carefully and to contact the physician if any unusual symptoms develop during the convalescence period.
- Precautions
-
These precautions to consider with thermal radiofrequency denervation procedure:
- Avoid driving: The patient should arrange for transportation as they will not be able to drive after the procedure due to the effects of the local anesthesia or sedation.
- Follow medication instructions: If prescribed pain medication, the patient should take it as directed and not exceed the recommended dosage.
- Avoid alcohol: The patient should avoid consuming alcohol for several hours after the procedure.
- Avoid heavy lifting: The patient should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a specified period of time as advised by the physician.
- Report any unusual symptoms: The patient should report any unusual symptoms, such as excessive pain, swelling, redness, or fever, to the physician immediately.
- Follow-up appointments: The patient should attend all follow-up appointments with the physician to monitor their progress and discuss any concerns.
It is important to follow the physician’s instructions carefully and to contact the physician if any questions or concerns arise during the recovery period.
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