Advice on Radiofrequency Neurotomy (RFN) Posted: 07-31-06 10:17am
HI last yeare I had micro disc
decompression surgery for an L5 herniated
disc.
The disc has herniated again and despite a
series of root blocksis tsill
troublesome.
Ithas beensuggested I get RFN. Can you
advise on this versus another operation.
Thanks
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DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
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Back Pain Answer A1301 Posted: 08-03-06 04:29am
Radiofrequency neurotomy is not an
operative procedure. A radiofrequency
neurotomy is a type of injection (a less
invasive procedure) in which a heat lesion
is created by using electricity on certain
nerves with the goal of interrupting pain
signals to the brain, thus eliminating
pain. As with many spinal injections,
radiofrequency neurotomy is best performed
under fluoroscopy (live x-ray) for
guidance in properly targeting and placing
the needle (and for avoiding nerve injury
or other injury).Success rates vary, but
typically about 30% to 50% of patients
undergoing this procedure will experience
significant pain relief for as much as two
years. Of the remaining patients, about
50% will get some pain relief for a
shorter period. Some patients do not
experience any relief from pain as a
result of this procedure.
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