Cervical facet radiofrequency ablation, also known as cervical facet rhizotomy or neurotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic neck pain arising from the facet joints in the cervical spine. The facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae that enable movement in the neck.

Procedure Overview:

Diagnosis: Before the procedure, the physician may perform diagnostic nerve blocks to identify the specific facet joint causing pain.

Local Anaesthesia: The patient is typically given a local anaesthetic to numb the skin and tissues over the target area.

Fluoroscopic Guidance: Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray guidance), the physician inserts a thin needle into the targeted facet joint or its associated nerves.

Radiofrequency Ablation: A radiofrequency probe is then advanced through the needle to deliver thermal energy to the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joint.

Lesioning: The heat generated by the radiofrequency waves creates a lesion on the nerves, disrupting their ability to transmit pain signals.

Pain Relief: The goal of the procedure is to provide long-term pain relief by interrupting the pain signals from the facet joint.

Indications for Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Ablation:

Chronic neck pain that has not responded to conservative treatments.

Pain originating from the facet joints in the cervical spine.

Diagnostic nerve blocks indicating the facet joints as the source of pain.

Benefits:

Minimally invasive: The procedure is performed through a small needle, minimising tissue damage.

Outpatient Procedure: Patients can often go home on the same day.

Targeted Relief: Cervical facet radiofrequency ablation specifically targets the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals.

Considerations:

Relief Duration: The effects of the procedure may vary, and some patients experience long-lasting pain relief, while others may require repeated procedures.

Potential Risks: As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, or nerve damage, although these are rare.

In conclusion, cervical facet radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive and targeted procedure utilised by healthcare professionals like Dr. Tushar to address chronic neck pain stemming from the facet joints in the cervical spine. Dr. Tushar may recommend this procedure after thorough diagnostic assessments, including nerve blocks, to pinpoint the source of pain.

Under Dr. Tushar's care, the procedure involves the use of local anaesthesia, fluoroscopic guidance, and a radiofrequency probe to create lesions on the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joint