Relieving Pain. Restoring Hope.
Thoracic Facet Radiofrequency Neurotomy
About the treatment
Thoracic facet radiofrequency neurotomy is an outpatient procedure. Patients will wear a gown for the procedure and be positioned lying face down on a procedure table. Patients will receive light sedation if requested before your procedure begins. The upper back area will then be sterilized and numbed with an anesthetic medication.
The nerve will briefly conduct pain signals and cause a muscle twitch, confirming that the correct nerve has been reached. Numbing medication is then delivered to the nerve in preparation for the treatment.
After numbing, heat is delivered through the electrode to the nerve. The heat creates a lesion on the nerve which disrupts the nerve’s ability to send signals about pain. At the end of the procedure, the cannula and electrode are removed. The process can then be repeated for additional nerves that require treatment.
After the treatment
Thoracic facet radiofrequency neurotomy typically results in pain relief for 9 to 14 months, or longer. About 50% of people experience pain relief for as long as two years. Over time, the nerves will grow back (regenerate) however some people will not experience pain again. If you experience pain, contact your Desert Pain Specialists provider to discuss your options to repeat the treatment.
Treatment