Radiofrequency and infiltrations

Radiofrequency is mainly applied in lumbar posterior facet arthrosis (infiltration in lumbar facets) and cervical arthrosis, as well as in lumbar and cervical pain.

Other cases in which this technique of column infiltration is used are:

• Sacral root radiofrequencies.
• Intradiscal radiofrequency.
• Obturator nerve radiofrequency in coxarthrosis.

The duration of the surgical procedures performed with radiofrequency depends fundamentally on the number of levels of the spine to be treated, and on whether it is performed on one or both sides of the spine. It ranges between 30 and 60 minutes maximum.

Before performing an intervention with radiofrequency, a detailed examination and a correct medical history are required, as well as the performance of certain tests:

• Right and left oblique x-rays of the lumbar spine.
• MRI of the lumbar spine.
• AP and Lateral X-ray of the lumbar spine.

When the patient is discharged, a detailed medical report is prepared, indicating both the technique and the treatment to be followed.

As for postoperative medication, it is usually recommended based on the severity of pre-surgical symptoms and the type of patient. However, in general, low doses of anti-inflammatory and analgesics are usually prescribed. Muscle relaxants are only used in cases of severe muscle contractures.

As there is no surgical wound, it is not necessary to carry out cures or wound care.

Recovery from radiofrequency is usually immediate since this technique is minimally invasive and without injuries or tissue damage. It is applied under purely local anesthesia once the area where the nerve branch that innervates the pathological joint has been identified.

The patient can start his normal life from the first moment, as long as he does not make great efforts in the first two weeks. In addition, the intake of anti-inflammatories is recommended for 7-10 days.

Another piece of advice for the patient is to carry out an adequate rehabilitation treatment supervised by the trauma service.

The improvement in all the pain and well-being scales is evidence demonstrated with this technique, sometimes relieving the pain until it disappears. In a very small percentage of patients, it is necessary to repeat the procedure again after 6 months to achieve optimal results. Our team of traumatologists in Madrid is a pioneer in performing spinal infiltrations and radiofrequencies.