Radiofrequency neurolysis.

Pain that develops in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine is typically initiated from a clinical condition called spondylosis. Radiofrequency ablation is a key element in the treatment protocol of patients with spondylosis of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac joint pain. A diagnosis can be made by blocking the median branch nerve that innervates each joint. Once this has been confirmed, an ablation procedure can be performed to increase the duration of pain relief desired by the patient with chronic pain originating from spondylosis. Radiofrequency neurolysis is a common technique used in the treatment of chronic pain, particularly facet (zygapophyseal joint) arthralgia. The technique involves an insulated needlelike cannula; x-rays passing through the patient show the projected relative radioopaque bony landmarks and the metallic cannula. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.