Radiofrequency Neurotomy: Difference between revisions

From WikiMSK

(Created page with "==Introduction== ==General== *Alternating current of high frequency radio waves *Ion movement creates friction, dissipates energy as heat. *Heating nerve tissue >45 degrees ca...")
 
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
==General==
*Alternating current of high frequency radio waves
*Alternating current of high frequency radio waves
*Ion movement creates friction, dissipates energy as heat.
*Ion movement creates friction, dissipates energy as heat.

Revision as of 17:48, 10 July 2020

Introduction

  • Alternating current of high frequency radio waves
  • Ion movement creates friction, dissipates energy as heat.
  • Heating nerve tissue >45 degrees causes neural blockade
  • Heating to 60-100 degrees induces protein coagulation and cell death
  • Conventional RF lesion done at 80-85 degrees for 60-90 seconds
  • Needle placement (for blocks and RF) confirmed normally by fluoroscopy +/- sensory and motor testing for RF
  • Pain often recurs after ~400 days but can be repeated

Indications

Generally for nociceptive pain: shut off nociceptive afferents from the painful structure (but not selective). Diagnosis should be confirmed with two positive diagnostic blocks. A single positive block can have a high false positive due to the placebo effect. RF is not indicated for central pain, spinal cord pathology, serious psychological factors, or when confident pain ratings are not possible.