Cervical Medial Branch Radiofrequency Neurotomy
What is a Cervical Medial Branch radiofrequency neurotomy?
Facet or zygo-apophyseal joints are small joints between the bones (vertebrae). These joints can be injured and become the source of persistent neck pain. A medial branch block involves the injection of local anaesthetic onto the nerves (medial branches) that supply the facet joints. It is a gold standard diagnostic injection and any pain relief obtained is temporary. This is performed to establish if, and which, facet joints are the source of your back or neck pain. Once you get a good pain relief with the diagnostic injection, the medial branches can then be heated upto 70-80 degrees Celsius to provide long-term pain relief.
How long will the pain relief last for?
Pain relief after this procedure lasts for more than a year. Sometimes, upto 3 years.
What are the complications of cervical medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy?
It is a relatively safe procedure with minimal side effects like soreness or bruising where the injection was given. This usually settles in a few days. Please read our FAQ section to know about the do's and don't prior to and after the procedure.