Radiofrequency Neurotomy is a procedure used to treat facet joint pain caused by degenerative changes or injury. Using fluoroscopic guidance and local anesthetic, the radiologist guides a needle toward nerve endings. The needle is then heated, creating a lesion to interrupt signals to the brain, effectively eliminating the pain.
The RFN procedure is employed to treat facet joint pain associated with degenerative changes and injury.
Conducted under fluoroscopic imaging guidance and following the application of a local anesthetic, a needle is heated at a point along the relevant facet joint nerve fibre that is responsible for the pain. This results in a temporary lesion on the nerve ending, which will interrupt the pain signal and eliminate associated pain in the long term (6-12 months).