Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to interrupt signals carried by a targeted nerve. It is most commonly performed on the small nerves supplying the facet joints of the spine (lumbar, thoracic or cervical), but can also be applied to other nerves throughout the body where pain signals need to be reduced.
RFA can be used for chronic knee, neck, back or joint pain. It may be suitable for patients who have previously had short-lived or little response to steroid injections for pain relief or have not responded well to physiotherapy or other conservative treatments.
No preparation is required although it is important to contact us and let us know if any of the following apply:
You are taking blood thinning medications
You are a diabetic
You have a known allergy to local anaesthetic or CT contrast dye (iodine)
You have a pacemaker or other implanted device
You are or may be pregnant.
The procedure usually takes about 30-60 minutes depending on the number of nerves being treated. Please allow up to 2 hours for your visit including preparation and a short recovery period following the procedure.
The procedure will be performed by a radiologist who will be assisted by our radiographers. You will be asked to change into a gown and positioned to allow the best access to the treatment area. A series of planning scans will be taken so that the exact position of the target nerve can be identified and marked. Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and the radiologist will inject the area with a local anaesthetic to numb the region. The needle is then carefully advanced to the target nerve under continuous image guidance. A brief electrical stimulation test may be performed to confirm correct positioning – you may feel a mild tingling or pressure sensation during this step. Once the needle is confirmed in the correct position, the nerve is heated for approximately 60-90 seconds per site. Multiple nerves can be treated in a single session. Finally, long term local anaesthetic and cortisone are injected around the treated nerve in order to minimise discomfort which may arise following the treatment.
You will rest in our recovery area for a short time after the procedure. Some soreness at the treatment site for several days is normal. Pain relief from RFA may take 1-3 weeks to develop fully as the nerve settles; maximum benefit is typically seen within 4-6 weeks. For your comfort it is recommended you:
Take it easy for the next 48 hours
Resume your normal activities as limited by pain
You may apply ice to the affected area
You may continue with physiotherapy etc.
It is important to keep a record of your progress so we have provided a ‘Post Procedure Pain Diary‘ for you to keep over the next 2 weeks after the procedure. You should take this with you to report back to your doctor when you next see them so they can assess how successful this procedure was for you.
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