RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION TREATMENT

Lumbar Spondylosis RadiofrequencyRadiofrequency ablation, commonly referred to as RFA, is an effective long-term treatment for mechanical neck and low back pain due to joint inflammation. The goal of radiofrequency ablation is to provide long term relief of joint mediated pain than regular steroid injections can provide. The treatment is indicated once the joints have been precisely identified as a primary pain generator and steroid injections are only effective for short periods of time. In the spine, radiofrequency ablation is used for facet joint and sacroiliac joint pain.

The radiofrequency ablation procedure is an outpatient procedure which traditionally takes about 30 minutes to complete. There is additional time required for observation after intravenous sedation.


ANATOMY

Facet Joints
There are two small facet joints in the posterior column of each vertebral segment that provide the spine with both stability and flexibility. Facet syndrome occurs when one or more of these joints become inflamed or irritated. Patients often report increased back pain with extension or prolonged periods of inactivity like sitting or standing too long. Changing positions often improves the pain.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joints
The sacroiliac joint is a mobile strong weight bearing joint in the pelvis that connects the sacrum and pelvis. There are two joints, one on each side of the sacrum, reinforced by strong surrounding ligaments. Pain can be from inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, called sacroiliitis.

This is commonly felt as pain on one side of the lower back to the right or left of midline where the joint is located. When SI joint dysfunction is severe, pain can refer to the hip, groin, buttocks, and even down the back of the thigh. Pain may be worse with movements that stress that joint, such as standing up from a seated position, walking up an incline, elliptical exercise, prolonged sitting or walking, or twisting when rolling in bed at night.


PRODECURE

A radiofrequency procedure interrupts the sensory nerve supply to the involved joint through the use of thermal denervation. Under local anesthesia with light intravenous sedation, our Pain Management Specialists at Harley Street Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will use fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance to place special radiofrequency needles in the proximity of the nerves that supply the inflamed joint. After testing to ensure that the needle is in the correct position, a heat lesion is generated to deaden the nerve.

The radiofrequency ablation procedure is an outpatient procedure which traditionally takes about 30 minutes to complete. There is additional time required for observation after intravenous sedation. Symptom relief can range from six months to a year but can last longer as well. It can be repeated in six months to a year, if needed. Radiofrequency has been performed safely for many years with excellent outcomes. You may have a sore back or neck for one to two days immediately afterwards. It is recommended that you take it easy on the day of procedure, but return to usual activities the following day. The benefit from this procedure will typically occur within two weeks.

OUR TEAM

Dr Raul Barrios - Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Raul Barrios Martinez
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Christopher Butcher

DR. CHRISTOPHER BUTCHER
Consultant Orthopaedic and Knee Surgeon

Dr Les Cannon trauma surgeon

PROF. DR. LESLIE CANNON
Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon

daniela ludwig ludtke

DANIELA LUDWIG-LUDTKE
Senior Physiotherapist
Head of Physiotherapy Department

shreya physiotherapist

SHREYA SINGH
Physiotherapist, Musculoskeletal Specialist

Eddy Achkar Doctor of Physiotherapy

EDDY ACHKAR

Doctor of Physiotherapy, Musculoskeletal Specialist
Neda Ali Physiotherapist

NEDA MOHAMMAD ALI

Physiotherapist, Musculoskeletal Specialist
Christian Kihr - Senior Physiotherapist

CHRISTIAN KIHR
Senior Physiotherapist

rathish physiotherapist

RATHISH MANICKAM
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and Specialist in Manual Therapy

Lubnah Darawsheh

LUBNAH DARAWSHEH
Physiotherapist

Ahmed Elhamedy

AHMED ALHAMEDY
Physiotherapist , Musculoskeletal Specialist and Sports Rehabilitation

Shahbaz Nawaz Ansari

SHAHBAZ ANSARI
Senior Physiotherapist, Specialist Musculoskeletal Disorders and Sports Injuries



BOOK AN APPOINTMENTREVIEW US ON GOOGLE

Book an Appointment








    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Mobile No. (required)

    Select Appointment Date

    Copyright © Harley Street Medical Centre 2023 | MOH : EXYMXHJS-120723 15/07/2024

    CALL
    02 613 3999
    ONLINE
    APPOINTMENT
    BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
    Scan the code