Radiofrequency lesioning is a bit more involved than a simple steroidal or regenerative medicine injection. You’ll first be administered a local anesthetic or in some cases even undergo mild sedation. Once the treatment area is adequately numb your orthopaedist will direct a special needle, known as cannula, to the medial branch nerves with pinpoint accuracy using fluoroscopic guidance.
Once the cannula is in position at the medial branch nerves, your specialist with push an electrode through the cannula and down to the nerves. They will send a small charge through the electrode to trigger your back pain. If you experience your normal back pain, your orthopaedist will know the cannula and electrode is properly placed.
At that point they essentially heat and destroy the offending nerves and tissues to prevent them from carrying those pain signals in the future. Patients may be experiencing facet joint pain at multiple spots along their spine, in which case the procedure will be repeated at each problem medial branch nerve position.
Keep in mind these nerves are very small, and the pinpoint targeting delivered by a very accurate, needle-guided electrode ensures surrounding tissue damage is virtually non-existent. All that’s required at the injection site is a small bandage.
You’ll then be asked to wait in our recovery room after your procedure for a short observation, after which you will be able to go home.
Patients may experience soreness and back pain after the procedure, but most patients who undergo radiofrequency lesioning experience a significant reduction in facet joint pain over the subsequent several weeks.