Radiofrequency Rhizotomy

During the Procedure – What to Expect

RF Rhizotomy is an advanced injection procedure.
It's important that you remain awake during the procedure to provide important feedback to the radiologist.
The doctor will perform the procedure using a thin needle electrode placed adjacent to the degenerative facet joint.
The doctor will check the needle placement using a fluoroscope (X-ray camera), which is connected to a TV monitor. X-rays will be taken at this time.
To verify the needle position, the nerve may be stimulated using low voltage electricity. The stimulation will cause the affected muscles to rhythmically contract; we will then use numbing medication (anesthetic) to put the nerve to sleep and then apply heat to the nerve via the electrode for approximately 60 seconds.
This heat is designed to create a lesion, causing the nerve to become cauterized or burnt, which in turn breaks the communication link to the brain.
This procedure is then repeated at other levels including those above and below where the pain is originating.

After the Procedure – What to Expect

Due to the sedation, a nurse will review some guidelines that you will be asked to follow post procedure (pertaining to driving, drinking alcoholic beverages, etc.).
Due to the anesthetic, you may experience numbness and/or relief from symptoms for 2-8 hours after the procedure.
Once the local anesthetic effects have worn off, your usual symptoms may return and may become more severe for up to 5-7 days after the procedure.
You should keep a record of symptoms following the procedure and report to the referring physician at your follow-up appointment.
Patients must understand that approximately 10-12% of those people who have undergone RF procedures experience elevated pain.