Facet joint ablation is a procedure that is aimed at destroying the nerves that carry pain signals directly to a facet joint. This procedure is beneficial for conditions like arthritis which cause localized joint pain in the back and neck.
A facet joint is the place where vertebrae in the spine connect with each other. Facet joints allow vertebrae to pivot and slide against one another, enabling a fairly wide range of movement in the neck and back. Facet joints are served by small nerves called medial branch nerves. These nerves carry pain signals directly to and from the joints.
One situation that can trigger the medial branch nerves to signal pain is facet joint osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the wearing down of cartilage on joints, and when cartilage wears away, bones are left to rub directly on each other. Bone-on-bone rubbing of facet joints can inflame medial branch nerves, resulting in intense facet joint pain.
Medial branch nerves can be surgically eliminated so that facet joint pain is reduced – yet the facet joints themselves will remain fully functional. Destroying a medial branch nerve is similar to how a dentist eliminates a nerve during a root canal. The tooth remains functional, but the pain-carrying nerve does not.
The vaporization of a medial branch nerve is called facet joint ablation. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) performs an endoscopic procedure called facet thermal ablation; during this procedure, we use lasers to gently cauterize an inflamed medial branch nerve.
Facet thermal ablation at LSI begins with a small incision, and a 5mm tube is inserted into the incision. The diseased facet joint is then thoroughly cleaned, making sure that any debris is cleared away. Next, a small laser is funneled through the tube and heat from the laser is used to gently desensitize the medial branch nerves that innervate the effected joints. Because this is a minimally invasive procedure, there is no trauma or tearing to the surrounding muscles. General anesthesia is not required, and facet joint ablation can be done on an outpatient basis.
Often, patients forget that the time after facet joint surgery is as important as time spent in surgery. With facet thermal ablation, you will be able to return home right after your surgery is completed. The doctor will suggest that you become active immediately after the surgery so that you don’t experience any tightness or soreness. Patients have reported feeling relief from facet joint pain only minutes after the operation, and many are back to a full schedule of activities days or weeks after their facet joint ablation. It will be important for you to stay healthy after your surgery. Avoid any weight gains, as this can add unwanted stress to already weakened facet joints. With your doctor’s permission, you may even want to consider low-impact, cardiovascular activities like swimming and walking to ensure that your muscles stay strong and lithe.
If you would like more information about facet joint ablation, or would like to speak to the medical team at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) about any other painful condition that is affecting your neck and back, contact us today. Our minimally-invasive, endoscopic procedures have helped tens of thousands of people rediscover a life without pain. We’ll be happy to review your MRI or CT scan, completely free of charge.
