VIDEO: Radiofrequency facet joint denervation in the lumbar spine

In this video from the Open Operating Theatre, Doina Thomas, MD , from Nürnberg Fürth, Germany, discussed how to perform radiofrequency facet joint denervation in the lumbar spine for treatment of chronic low back pain.

The patient was placed in prone position. Radiofrequency cannulas were placed at L3 and L4. A sensory and motor test was performed prior to denervation to accurately place cannulas and also to avoid damage of motor root nerve fibers. Then, local anesthesia was injected. After electrodes were inserted into the cannulas and reached 80°C, the denervation was applied to each medial branch for 90 seconds. After depravation was complete, the cannulas were removed.

This video is intended as a teaching tool to help surgeons prepare for surgery or they can use it as a refresher on the surgical technique and indications for this surgery under biplanar fluoroscopic control.

Reference:

www.oot-esj.com/en/product/248767/radiofrequency_facet_joint_denervation_in_the_lumbar_spine