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Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy
The Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy procedure is a true minimally invasive spine surgery used to deaden affected nerves causing chronic back and neck pain.
With the guidance of x-rays, our endoscopic rhizotomy is completed without damaging surrounding muscles or soft tissue like traditional spine surgery.
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What are the advantages of an Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy?
Advantages of endoscopic facet rhizotomy surgery include the following:
- Minimally Invasive
- Short recovery
- High Success rate
- Minimal or no blood loss
- Preservation of spinal mobility
- Small incision and minimal scar tissue formation
- Same day surgery with no hospitalization (outpatient procedure)
What Conditions Can Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy Treat?
Lumbar Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy
- Chronic low back pain
- Facet hypertrophy
- Facet joint arthritis
- Facet joint injuries
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Whiplash syndromes
Cervical Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy
- Chronic neck pain
- Facet hypertrophy
- Facet joint arthritis
- Facet joint injuries
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Whiplash syndromes
How Is an Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy Done?
The patient is brought to the operating room and is administered with a local anesthetic and intravenous sedation. The surgical targets are marked at the skin level under fluoroscopic guidance (x-rays), and a small cut (about 7 mm) is made on the skin. Then, a tube is inserted to the target. The endoscope is then placed through the tube and the small nerve branches (medial branch) from the nerve root are identified.
A laser is then used to deaden the nerve branches, which only have a sensory function. Finally, the tube is removed, the incision is closed with a stitch or two, and the endoscopic facet rhizotomy is complete. Upon completion, the patient is encouraged to walk around and is free to leave the surgical center, with a companion, the same day. After a follow-up visit with the surgeon the next day, the patient can go home for a quick recovery.
