Radiofrequency Ablation
Diagnosis & Understanding
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Endoscopic Rhizotomy
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Endoscopic Rhizotomy
1746875659
An endoscopic rhizotomy is a minimally invasive surgery designed to relieve chronic back pain, often caused by arthritis in the spine’s facet joints. Using a small camera called an endoscope, the doctor locates and cuts tiny nerves that send pain signals from the back to the brain. This is done through a small incision and guided with a special X-ray machine for precision.
The procedure can help with ongoing back pain, especially discomfort that worsens when leaning backward or twisting. It may also ease pain that radiates to the buttocks or legs. Before considering surgery, other treatment options are usually explored. These include facet joint injections for short-term relief, radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to disrupt pain signals for 6 to 12 months, physical therapy to strengthen spine muscles, and pain-relief medications such as muscle relaxants.
Since the procedure is minimally invasive, risks are low. Still, there is a small chance of infection, temporary numbness, or pain returning if the nerves grow back quickly. You may be asked to stop certain medications like blood thinners and to fast for 8 hours before the procedure.
Endoscopic rhizotomy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so you’ll go home the same day. Recovery usually takes a couple of weeks, during which heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided. The benefits can last for several years. This option is generally recommended when tests confirm the facet joints as the source of pain. Our team will guide you through the decision and explain whether this procedure is right for you.
FAQs
How should one prepare for an endoscopic rhizotomy?
Preparation for an endoscopic rhizotomy may involve stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners, and fasting for 6–8 hours before the procedure. It is also essential to discuss all medications and health conditions with the surgeon prior to the procedure.
What are the alternatives to endoscopic rhizotomy?
Alternatives to endoscopic rhizotomy include facet joint injections, which provide temporary relief through medication; radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to damage pain-transmitting nerves for shorter relief; physical therapy to strengthen spine muscles; and pain-relief medications like NSAIDs and muscle relaxants.
What are the risks associated with endoscopic rhizotomy?
Since endoscopic rhizotomy is minimally invasive, the risks are relatively low but still include potential complications like infection, temporary numbness, nerve damage, and the possibility of pain returning if the nerves regenerate quickly.
What conditions can an endoscopic rhizotomy help treat?
An endoscopic rhizotomy is primarily used to alleviate chronic back pain associated with conditions like arthritis, especially when the pain originates from the spine's facet joints. It is especially effective for pain that worsens with movements like leaning backward or twisting and for pain that radiates to the buttocks or legs.
What is an endoscopic rhizotomy?
An endoscopic rhizotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to relieve chronic back pain by targeting small nerves that transmit pain signals from the spine's facet joints. The procedure involves inserting a thin tube with a camera, called an endoscope, through a small incision to locate and sever these nerves, ultimately reducing pain.