Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation



Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation.(RFTC)

RFTC is a fancy way of saying burning. It actually burns a nerve by the use of heat generated by electricity in the same way coagulation machine is used in the operating room. We use RFTC after we have identified a nerve that is causing pain by 2 test injections. For example if we suspect that your facet joint is a cause of your back pain we will deposit a combination of a local anesthetic with a steroid onto the joint. If you receive significant but short term pain relief this gives us an indication that your pain is being caused by the facet joint. We will repeat the procedure for further verification. If after both tests you get relief, we offer to you the option of the RFTC of those tiny sensory nerves that supply that joint. The goal with the RFTC procedure is that you get 3-12 months of partial relief. These nerves will grow back over the 3-12 month period after which you are eligible for another RFTC. The RFTC procedure can cause some increased irritation for up to 2 weeks while the burned nerves heal themselves. Remember that you may receive a simple injection in a period shorter than the 3 months if there is an exacerbation of your pain. The RFTC procedure is not performed by all pain physicians. Before consenting to the procedure, ensure that your physician has been well trained in a pain fellowship and performs the RFTC frequently.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download