Advanced, Long-Lasting Relief for Chronic Spine Pain
Precision Treatment. Smaller Incisions. Lasting Results.
When chronic neck or back pain continues despite conservative treatment, Endoscopic Rhizotomy offers an advanced minimally invasive solution designed to target the source of your pain with exceptional precision.
At Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine, our spine specialists use state-of-the-art endoscopic technology to directly visualize and treat the small sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain from the spinal facet joints. Unlike traditional radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to disrupt the nerve, Endoscopic Rhizotomy allows the physician to identify and precisely divide the targeted nerve through a tiny incision while preserving surrounding muscles and healthy tissue. This direct visualization may provide longer-lasting pain relief for carefully selected patients.
What Is an Endoscopic Rhizotomy?
An Endoscopic Rhizotomy is an outpatient, minimally invasive spine procedure performed using a specialized camera called an endoscope. Through a small incision—typically less than one centimeter—a narrow working tube and endoscope are gently advanced to the painful facet joint.
Using high-definition visualization, your surgeon identifies the medial branch nerves that carry pain signals from the arthritic facet joints. These nerves are then precisely interrupted, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain while leaving spinal stability and movement intact.
Conditions Treated
Endoscopic Rhizotomy may be recommended for patients suffering from:
- Chronic low back pain
- Chronic neck pain
- Lumbar facet joint arthritis
- Cervical facet joint arthritis
- Degenerative spine disease
- Pain following previous spine surgery
- Persistent facet-mediated pain that has responded to diagnostic medial branch blocks
Who Is a Candidate?
You may be a candidate for Endoscopic Rhizotomy if you:
- Have experienced chronic neck or back pain for several months or longer.
- Have failed conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections.
- Experienced significant temporary relief from diagnostic medial branch nerve blocks.
- Are looking for a minimally invasive alternative before considering more extensive spine surgery.
Our physicians perform a thorough evaluation, review your imaging studies, and determine whether this procedure is the best option for your condition.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Endoscopic Rhizotomy is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing most patients to return home the same day.
During the procedure:
- You are positioned comfortably, and the treatment area is sterilized.
- Local anesthesia and IV sedation or anesthesia are administered for your comfort.
- A tiny incision is made over the affected area.
- Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, the surgeon inserts a small working tube.
- An endoscope provides direct visualization of the targeted nerves.
- Specialized surgical instruments precisely interrupt the pain-transmitting medial branch nerves.
- The incision is closed with a stitch or adhesive strip and covered with a small bandage.
Because the muscles are gently separated rather than cut, there is typically less tissue trauma, minimal blood loss, and a faster recovery than with traditional open spine surgery.
Recovery
Most patients go home the same day and begin walking shortly after the procedure.
You may experience mild soreness around the incision for several days, but many patients resume light daily activities within one week. Improvement in pain often develops over several weeks as the treated nerves heal.
Your physician will provide personalized recovery instructions and guide your return to work, exercise, and normal activities.
Benefits of Endoscopic Rhizotomy
Patients may benefit from:
- Long-lasting pain relief
- Tiny incision with minimal scarring
- Outpatient procedure
- Minimal muscle disruption
- Less postoperative discomfort
- Faster recovery
- Improved mobility and quality of life
- Reduced need for pain medications
- Direct visualization for precise treatment of the pain-generating nerves
Clinical studies suggest that endoscopic rhizotomy may provide durable pain relief and reduce the need for repeat procedures in appropriately selected patients when compared with conventional radiofrequency ablation.
Why Choose Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine?
At Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine, we are committed to providing the latest advancements in minimally invasive spine care. Our experienced specialists combine advanced technology, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care to help patients overcome chronic pain and return to the activities they enjoy.
From your initial consultation through recovery, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care every step of the way.