Radiofrequency Neurotomy (Radiofrequency Ablation)

Radiofrequency neurotomy, also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure used to treat chronic back pain, neck pain, hip pain, and knee pain. The procedure uses controlled radiofrequency energy to disrupt specific sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals.

Radiofrequency neurotomy is commonly performed after diagnostic nerve blocks confirm the source of pain.

What Is Radiofrequency Neurotomy?

Radiofrequency neurotomy uses heat generated by radio waves to create a small, precise lesion on a targeted nerve. This interrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.

The procedure is most frequently used to treat:

  1. Facet joint pain in the cervical and lumbar spine
  2. Sacroiliac joint pain
  3. Hip joint pain
  4. Knee osteoarthritis pain

Pain relief typically develops within days to weeks and may last several months or longer, depending on nerve regeneration.

Conditions Treated

Radiofrequency neurotomy is indicated for chronic pain lasting longer than 12 weeks that has not improved with conservative treatment.

Common indications include:

  1. Chronic low back pain due to facet joint arthritis
  2. Chronic neck pain from cervical facet joints
  3. Hip pain related to osteoarthritis
  4. Knee pain from osteoarthritis
  5. Sacroiliac joint pain
  6. Spine pain following traumatic injury, including motor vehicle accidents

RFA is particularly effective when pain originates from arthritic or degenerative joints.

Candidate Criteria for Radiofrequency Ablation

You may be a candidate if you:

  1. Have chronic back, neck, hip, or knee pain lasting more than 12 weeks
  2. Have failed conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medications
  3. Have experienced significant pain relief from diagnostic nerve blocks
  4. Have imaging evidence of joint degeneration or injury

Diagnostic medial branch blocks or joint injections are typically performed prior to radiofrequency neurotomy to confirm the pain source.

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Urban Spine and Joint

How the Procedure Is Performed

  1. The patient is positioned comfortably in a procedure suite.
  2. The skin is sterilized and locally anesthetized.
  3. Using fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance, the physician advances a small needle into the atlanto-occipital or atlanto-axial joint.
  4. Contrast dye may be used to confirm accurate placement.
  5. Medication is injected into the joint space.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes less than 30 minutes.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Neurotomy

  • Long-lasting pain relief compared to injections
  • Minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment
  • Reduced need for pain medications
  • Improved mobility and function
  • Outpatient procedure with minimal downtime

Begin your journey to recovery.

Reach out to our specialists to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll carefully review your symptoms and match you with the right expert for your specific condition.

CLINIC LOCATION

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Jersey City, NJ 07310

DIRECT CONTACT

(908) 665-1938
infor@urbanspinejoint.com

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