Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation

December 29, 2024

Author : Dr. Venkatdeep Mohan

Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation: A Minimally Invasive Solution for Chronic Pain Relief.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that is used to manage many cases of chronic pain- ex. Knee pain, chronic back ace, shoulder pain.

This treatment involve placing a special needle near the nerve that carries the pain signals. The needle applies heat to the specific area by transmitting energy generated through a radiofrequency generator.

How does it work?

The heat generated by the needle/probe causes the formation of a lesion- i.e an area of nerve injury. This disables the transmission of pain signals through the nerve therefore providing pain relief.

What are the advantages?

1. It is minimally invasive and done as an outpatient procedure.
2. It provides reasonably long-term pain relief often lasting several months or even years.

What are the risks?

While it is a considerably safe procedure, some patients may have numbness or tingling due to the nerve damage. Rarely there may be a infection.

Cooled radiofrequency treatment in specific areas:

Spine- Facet joint RF ablation in facet joint degenerations, SI joint pains. Chronic pains in these areas may be treated by RFA.

Shoulder- Labral tears, rotator cuff tears and tendinosis, arthritis of the shoulder may be treated by RFA

Knee- Pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee can be treated with RFA.

Consult Dr Venkatdeep to understand more about this treatment modality and if this treatment may help you.

Disclaimer Statement: The contents of the website is not meant to replace an in-person consultation. Please follow the advice of your doctor via in-person consultation. This website will not assume any legal responsibility for the patient’s medical condition.