RF Tech types

RF types

The conventional radio frequency (RF) also called thermal neuroablativa is a technique that causes thermal injury. It uses low energy current with high frequencies (500,000 Hz). At 80º it causes interruption of transmission in the pain pathways).

The RF pulse is a neuromodulator technique (RFP) not neuroablativa, which has expanded the indications nervous because it produces no destruction, no residual neuritis. RFP interrupts current periodically (pulses) to control temperature and remove heat in the tissue. The maximum temperature reached is 40-42 ºC in a time of 120 seconds. As advantages of RFP, it should be noted that it is not destructive, so it can be indicated in cases of neuropathic pain or in structures where conventional RF cannot be used .

RF indications

At the level of the spine: cervical, dorsal, lumbar. Facet pain, discogenic pain (intradiscal radiofrequency), in radiculopathies (radiofrequency DRG: dorsal root ganglion), on peripheral and cranial nerves. RF of the sacroiliac joint. In complex regional pain syndromes with pain maintained by the sympathetic: RF of the stellate ganglion, RF of the lumbar sympathetic chain. RF of the Gasserian ganglion in essential trigeminal neuralgia. RF of the sphenopalatine ganglion in certain cases of migraine. RF of the peripheral nerves: intercostal, suprascapular, of the articular sensory branches of the obturator and femoral nerves. Trigger point RF.

Facet radiofrequency is the most indicated. It is applied to the nerves that supply these joints: MB (medial brach) of the dorsal root. Observed in the scheme of figure 1. Figure 2 shows the cannulas in Rx during the procedure.

RF Tech