Shoulder joint Radiofrequency Neurectomy MIPSI
MIPSI or Minimally invasive pain and spine interventions is a broad term which encompasses all the Non-invasive and minimally invasive interventions done by the interventional spine and pain physicians for myriad of conditions right from Musculo-skeletal disorders like back pain, neck pain, knee pain etc.
What is the procedure of Shoulder joint Radiofrequency neurectomy?
Shoulder joints are supplied by articular branches from mainly 3 nerves:
- Suprascapular nerve
- Axillary nerve
- Lateral pectoral nerve
Shoulder joint Radiofrequency neurectomy is an advanced procedure which involves a precise identification of these articular branches( nerves supplying only the joint ) with the help of sensory and motor stimulation and then targeted ablation of these nerves using Radiofrequency current. Extreme caution is taken to spare the main sensory and motor nerves and only target the articular branches supplying the joint.
What are the Indications of Shoulder joint neurectomy?
- Shoulder joint Osteo-arthritis
- Rotator cuff pathologies
- Patients of shoulder pain medically unfit for surgery
- Post-surgery shoulder pain
- Chronic shoulder pain
- Auto-immune conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis
How Shoulder joint neurectomy MIPSI helps relief pain?(
Shoulder joint Radiofrequency neurectomy specifically targets the articular branches of the nerves supplying the joint.
It mainly acts by 2 mechanisms:
Peripheral Wallerian degeneration of the nerve: Due to the application of Radiofrequency currents , the friction between the various tissue molecules generate thermal energy which burns the nerves and brings about what is called as conduction block. So these nerves stop conducting pain signals from the affected site towards the brain where pain stimulus is actually processed and patient feels immediate relief from pain.
Central neuromodulation: Chronic pain has a component of Central Sensitization where in there is amplification of the pain signals in the brain and patients experience pain even in the absence of any movements or painful stimulus. With application of Radiofrequency ablation there is modulation in these central neural circuitries and the central sensitization is abolished.
How early the beneficial effects can be seen?
Patient can start appreciating the effect of the procedure within 3-4 days post-procedure and maximal effect is achieved over a period of 3-4 weeks.
How many times this procedure has to be repeated?
Radiofrequency ablation procedure may need to be repeated after 8-12 months which is the time required for regeneration of ablated nerves. However, when combined with good rehabilitation post-procedure, beneficial effects of radiofrequency ablation can extend upto 1.5 -2 years. Decision to repeat the procedure is taken by your doctor looking at your reports and the relief percentage from previous procedure.
Will I require hospitalization for this procedure?
No. This is a Day care procedure. Patient is advised about the Pre-procedure precautions before- hand. On the day of the procedure, patient arrives 2 hours before the procedure and is discharged same day after 2 hours of monitoring.
To see how this procedure is done, click the below link