What is rhizolysis?
Rhizolysis is a non-invasive surgical technique to treat back pain through several punctures in the area of the spine to be treated, without the need for hospitalization. Rhizolysis is performed in the operating room, with the patient lying face down, in cases of lumbar rhizolysis and dorsal rhizolysis, or lying face up, in cases of cervical pain. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and X-ray control. In some cases sedation may be applied, as long as it does not hinder the course of the surgery.
Why is it performed?
This treatment is indicated in cases of pain produced during movement and in which the nerves leaving the spinal column to the extremities are not affected. It is only effective in chronic patients with vertebral articular lesions in which the nerves of the facets are involved. It should always be performed as a last alternative, since the nerves do not regenerate and this treatment is based on destroying them.
What does it consist of?
Rhizolysis consists of the destruction, by means of radiofrequency impulses, of nerve endings that transmit pain originating in the joints that join two vertebrae together. The radiofrequency impulses are applied through a needle focused on the specific nerve and under X-ray control. Once the needle is in the correct position, a series of tests are performed to locate the nerve causing the pain and make sure it is in the optimal position. The impression that the patient will have during the course of the technique will be that of tingling. During the procedure, the specialist will ask you about your sensations. If the needle is in the vicinity of the main nerve roots, the perception will be that of tremor in the legs. Once all the tests have been carried out, the rhizolysis will be performed, which lasts approximately one minute.
Preparation for rhizolysis
In the preoperative period, the patient must fill out the corresponding consent form. In addition, a blood coagulation study will be carried out and, subsequently, the usual care before an operation will be followed: sterility of the patient and the operation site and review of the medication administered to perform the rhizolysis.
Care after the intervention
As this is an outpatient procedure, the patient will have to rest for a short period of time, between 30 and 60 minutes, and will be able to return home a few hours later. The doctor will recommend that you rest for the rest of the day and that for the next two days you perform activities that do not involve physical exertion.
You may notice some pain or numbness in the area where the treatment has been applied, which will be of short duration. Rarely, the pain you felt prior to the procedure may worsen. For this, analgesics or the application of ice or heat can be used to alleviate the discomfort. The result may take two to three weeks. If the pain returns, it may be re-done or some other treatment may be performed.