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Considerations for Lumbar Medial Branch Nerve Radiofrequency at Spinal Motion Segments Adjacent to a Fusion Construct. Pain Med 2023 Feb 01;24(2):165-170

Date

08/11/2022

Pubmed ID

35946682

DOI

10.1093/pm/pnac118

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85147234893 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

Instrumented lumbar spinal fusion is common and results in biomechanical changes at adjacent spinal segments that increase facet load bearing. This can cause facet-mediated pain at levels adjacent to the surgical construct. Medial branch nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) exists as a treatment for some cases. It is important to acknowledge that the approach and instrumentation used during some specific lumbar fusion approaches will disrupt the medial branch nerve(s). Thus, the proceduralist must consider the fusion approach when determining which medial branch nerves are necessary to anesthetize for diagnosis and then to potentially target with RFA. This article discusses the relevant technical considerations for preparing for RFA to denervate lumbosacral facet joints adjacent to fusion constructs.

Author List

Turtle J, Miller S, Yang A, Hurley RW, Spina N, McCormick ZL

Author

Robert W. Hurley MD, PhD Adjunct Professor of Anesthesiology and CTSI in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Humans
Lumbar Vertebrae
Lumbosacral Region
Spinal Fusion
Spinal Nerves