Radiofrequency ablation of the sacroiliac joint

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a revolutionary procedure in the practice of pain management that can be used in the treatment of sacroiliac joint pain syndromes. It is a technology that uses radiofrequency needle probes to create lesions by way of localized tissue destruction. It is indicated for patients with chronic sacroiliac joint pain who have had a positive response to a lateral branch block. This procedure typically provides at least 6 and up to 12 months of significant pain relief and can be repeated. Practitioners should be well versed in the different evolving methods for RFA as well as its evidence, relevant anatomy, the technology used in RFA, and the complications that may occur with this procedure and how to prevent them. This chapter explores these principles and presents the relevant findings from the literature for this innovative procedure for sacroiliac joint pain.