An overview of Radiofrequency Neurotomy
Radiofrequency neurotomy is a medical procedure that uses radio waves to target specific nerves and temporarily inhibit their ability to send pain signals. It is typically performed for chronic pain in the back, neck, hips, or knees that has not improved with medications or physical therapy, or when surgery is not a viable option. The procedure involves inserting needles through the skin near the painful area and delivering radio waves to the targeted nerves. Imaging scans are used to ensure proper needle placement.
What is Radiofrequency Neurotomy used for?
Radiofrequency neurotomy is a medical procedure used to temporarily reduce chronic pain by targeting specific nerves and temporarily disrupting their ability to send pain signals. It is most commonly used for pain in the back, neck, and buttocks (sacroiliac joint). It may also be helpful for long-term shoulder, knee, or hip joint pain. The goal is to alleviate pain that hasn't improved with medications or physical therapy and when surgery isn't an option.
How to prepare for Radiofrequency Neurotomy?
To prepare for a radiofrequency neurotomy test, you should:
- Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider, such as stopping blood-thinning medications for a period of time before the procedure.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
- Inform your provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, including blood-thinning medications, as they may need to be adjusted before the procedure.
- Avoid smoking and using tobacco products on the day of the procedure.
Your healthcare provider may also refer you to a pain specialist or order additional tests to determine if you're a good candidate for the radiofrequency neurotomy procedure. This may include injecting a small amount of numbing medication into the precise spots where the radiofrequency needles will be inserted to assess the effectiveness of the treatment for your specific pain symptoms.
It's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully to ensure a safe and successful radiofrequency neurotomy procedure.
How is Radiofrequency Neurotomy conducted?
During a radiofrequency neurotomy test, a healthcare provider inserts needles through the skin near the painful area and delivers radio waves to targeted nerves. The provider uses imaging scans to ensure the needles are properly positioned. A small amount of numbing medication may be injected to determine if the nerves targeted by the procedure are responsible for the patient's pain. If the pain significantly lessens, radiofrequency treatment at those spots may be helpful. However, the provider may determine that a different procedure is needed to address the patient's specific symptoms.
Limitations and Considerations
One limitation of the radiofrequency neurotomy test is that it may not be suitable for everyone. The effectiveness of the procedure depends on the specific source of an individual's pain. The test may not provide accurate results if the nerves targeted by the procedure are not the main cause of the person's pain. In such cases, alternative diagnostic or therapeutic options may be necessary. Additionally, there is always a risk of bleeding, infection, or nerve damage associated with any invasive medical procedure, which may limit the applicability of radiofrequency neurotomy for certain individuals.