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WWW.PINKERTONPAIN.COM
| 417-781-7246 |
Radiofrequency Ablation
This site is not intended to be a substitute for
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.
Radiofrequency Ablation
What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency nerve ablation (Facet Rhizotomy) is the term used when radio waves are generated and used to produce
heat. By generating heat around a nerve, the nerves ability to transmit pain is destroyed, thus ablating the nerve.
Radiofrequency is used to destroy the nerves that supply the facet joints in the spine. These joints are the small posterior
joints on either side of the spine. These joints can be one source of back or neck pain. The technique used for
radiofrequency is similar that of facet injections. Under x-ray guidance, a thin needle is inserted down to the facet region.
Once the needle is in place, you will receive an anesthetic then the radiofrequency stimulation will occur through the
needle that is already in place. This generally takes approximately 90 seconds per facet joint.
Are you a candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
Prior to consideration of a radiofrequency procedure, the source of your pain must be determined using diagnositic
blocks or facet blocks. You must keep an accurate record of your pain following the facet injections in order for Dr.
Pinkerton to determine if you are a candidate for radiofrequency. Once it has been established that the facet joints are
causing your pain then you may be considered a candidate for the procedure.
What happens before Radiofrequency Ablation?
Patients must have had facet injections prior to being considered a candidate for radiofrequency ablation. Prior to
receiving a radiofrequency, you may be asked to remain fasting for up to 6 hours and bring a driver with you to your
appointment. These are only precautions and are for your safety only. Click here to see our specific instructions.
What happens after Radiofrequency Ablation?
Although some patients may feel anxious about radiofrequency ablation ahead of time, most patients are pleasantly
surprised when they are finished. Most patients are immediately able to get up and walk around, and after a short period
of monitoring are able to leave the office. Light activity is encouraged for the rest of the day but strenuous activity is
discouraged. Patients can usually return to their normal activities the next day. Localized soreness may be relieved by
using ice for at least 2 hours in 20 minute intervals. This may be done up to 24 hours. You will need to keep a careful
record of you pain for the next 24 hours especially and also for the next week. This will be very important in helping Dr.
Pinkerton determine whether or not you are benefiting from the treatment.
What are the results?
Once the nerves carrying painful sensations are destroyed, you should be free of the back or neck pain you are
experiencing if it is coming from this structure. These nerves may re-grow over a period of approximately 6 months. With
exercise you pain may not return or may not return to its full intensity. This procedure can be repeated if the pain returns.
What are the risks?
There is a risk of infection and mild numbness associated with this procedure.
For more information visit www.stryker.com
Radiofrequency nerve ablation (Facet Rhizotomy) is the term used when radio waves are generated and used to produce
heat. By generating heat around a nerve, the nerves ability to transmit pain is destroyed, thus ablating the nerve.
Radiofrequency is used to destroy the nerves that supply the facet joints in the spine. These joints are the small posterior
joints on either side of the spine. These joints can be one source of back or neck pain. The technique used for
radiofrequency is similar that of facet injections. Under x-ray guidance, a thin needle is inserted down to the facet region.
Once the needle is in place, you will receive an anesthetic then the radiofrequency stimulation will occur through the
needle that is already in place. This generally takes approximately 90 seconds per facet joint.
Are you a candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
Prior to consideration of a radiofrequency procedure, the source of your pain must be determined using diagnositic
blocks or facet blocks. You must keep an accurate record of your pain following the facet injections in order for Dr.
Pinkerton to determine if you are a candidate for radiofrequency. Once it has been established that the facet joints are
causing your pain then you may be considered a candidate for the procedure.
What happens before Radiofrequency Ablation?
Patients must have had facet injections prior to being considered a candidate for radiofrequency ablation. Prior to
receiving a radiofrequency, you may be asked to remain fasting for up to 6 hours and bring a driver with you to your
appointment. These are only precautions and are for your safety only. Click here to see our specific instructions.
What happens after Radiofrequency Ablation?
Although some patients may feel anxious about radiofrequency ablation ahead of time, most patients are pleasantly
surprised when they are finished. Most patients are immediately able to get up and walk around, and after a short period
of monitoring are able to leave the office. Light activity is encouraged for the rest of the day but strenuous activity is
discouraged. Patients can usually return to their normal activities the next day. Localized soreness may be relieved by
using ice for at least 2 hours in 20 minute intervals. This may be done up to 24 hours. You will need to keep a careful
record of you pain for the next 24 hours especially and also for the next week. This will be very important in helping Dr.
Pinkerton determine whether or not you are benefiting from the treatment.
What are the results?
Once the nerves carrying painful sensations are destroyed, you should be free of the back or neck pain you are
experiencing if it is coming from this structure. These nerves may re-grow over a period of approximately 6 months. With
exercise you pain may not return or may not return to its full intensity. This procedure can be repeated if the pain returns.
What are the risks?
There is a risk of infection and mild numbness associated with this procedure.
For more information visit www.stryker.com
This site is not intended to be a substitute for
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.