Facet syndrome and its treatment by radiofrequency denervation

It is shown that radio-frequency denervation (RFD) is one of the most economical and effective methods for the treatment of pain syndrome in degenerative spine diseases. Innervation of different elements of spine segments as well as theoretical grounding of RFD application is given. The first experience of RFD use is summarized and analyzed. The technique of RFD for the treatment of discogenic and arthrogenic spine pathology at different levels is described (41 patients). It is shown that RFD can be considered as a palliative treatment method. Stability of RFD effect, possibility of repeated course make this method attractive to both the physicians and patients. RFD differs from all known noninvasive methods by its high efficacy and by its safety when compared with the invasive ones.