The surgeon uses an endoscope, a thin tube with a camera, to access the spine through a small incision. The surgeon then carefully locates and cuts (transects) the medial branch nerves. This procedure is similar to a radiofrequency ablation, but allows for more permanent pain relief from the joint. This effectively numbs the facet joint, providing long-term pain relief without affecting muscle function or sensation in the legs. A medial branch transection is typically performed on patients who have already had successful, but temporary, relief from diagnostic medial branch nerve blocks.
Medial Branch Transection
A medial branch transection, also known as an endoscopic rhizotomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic back pain originating from the facet joints. The facet joints are small joints on the back of the spine that enable movement and stability. When these joints become arthritic or inflamed, the pain signals are sent to the brain by small nerves called the medial branches.