Thoracic Facet Joint Denervation

Radiofrequency thoracic facet joint denervation is a safe and effective day case procedure for the treatment of back pain arising from the thoracic facet joints. It is also known as radiofrequency ablation, neurotomy, lesioning or rhizolysis.

If the thoracic facet joints have been confirmed as the source of your pain, usually by diagnostic medial branch blocks (see medial branch blocks link), then it is likely that radiofrequency facet joint denervation will be an effective treatment for your back pain. Radiofrequency energy is used to disrupt the function of a medial branch nerve, so that it can no longer transmit pain signals from a facet joint.

Radiofrequency facet joint denervation is performed as a day procedure at North Shore Private Hospital in a specialised x-ray facility. All patients are given intravenous sedation to ensure they are as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure. The doctor performing the procedure will use local anaesthetic to numb your skin before accurately inserting a needle using x-ray guidance next to the medial branch nerve to the facet joint. The doctor will then check that the needle is properly positioned by stimulating the nerve. This may cause muscle twitching and provoke some of your pain. Once the needle is in the correct position, the area will be numbed and radiofrequency energy used to disrupt the medial branch nerve. Several nerves may need to be treated to obtain optimal pain relief. You will be monitored for 1-2 hours following the procedure prior to discharge.

Radiofrequency facet joint denervation is a minimally invasive procedure and serious side effects are rare. You may experience local bruising and discomfort and may feel sore for up to one or two weeks. This is normal, and is usually due to muscle and nerve irritation. Full pain relief from the procedure may take several weeks. Most patients are able to return to work within two days following the procedure.

Nerves regenerate after radiofrequency facet joint denervation. This usually takes between six months and two years. Your pain may or may not return when the nerve regenerates. If it does, the procedure can be repeated on multiple occasions as required.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Northern Private Pain Centre can facilitate you obtaining a second opinion. Please discuss this with us.

Please Note: This video shows a lumbar fact joint denervation, a thoracic facet joint denervation would be a similar technique but at the thoracic facet joints.

 

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Image courtesy of MSK Australia

 

Disclaimer
The contents contained within this page are not a substitute for your own independent health professional’s advice, diagnosis or treatment. Northern Pain Centre treats every patient’s condition individually and provides evidence-based treatments to suit this.  Treatment’s may vary based on this individual assessment and your medical history.  If you would like to find out whether our treatments are suitable for your specific condition, please arrange a consultation with one of our team.  Please note there are risks associated with any procedure, and some are more common than others.  You should discuss the risks associated with any recommended treatment with your doctor. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Northern Pain Centre can facilitate you obtaining a second opinion. Please discuss this with us.