Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

WHAT IS RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the medial branch nerves is very similar to a medial branch block, but instead of injecting short-acting anesthetic medicine, a small probe is inserted which contacts the medial branch nerves. After ensuring proper placement, the area is anesthetized, and the probe is heated for 90 seconds to burn away the nerves.

This will typically give between 6-18 months of pain relief at the specific level of the ablation. Some patients may need multiple ablations depending on how many arthritic joints are involved.