What is direct visualized rhizotomy?
What is direct visualized rhizotomy? https://phoenixspineandjoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/shutterstock_429505723-1.jpg 1000 584 Phoenix Spine & Joint https://phoenixspineandjoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/shutterstock_429505723-1.jpgThere are many issues that can cause back pain, and that makes back pain one of the most common types of pain in the U.S. In fact, one American Chiropractic Association (ACA) report claims that about 31 million Americans are living with some form of back pain at any one time. If you’re currently living with back pain, you may be wondering what a direct visualized rhizotomy (DVR) is and if it can help treat your pain.
What direct visualized rhizotomy is
Direct visualized rhizotomy (DVR) is a minimally invasive procedure that’s designed to help patients treat osteoarthritis of the spine. Facet joints run along the back of your spine, and they can develop arthritis as you age just like any other type of joint. When osteoarthritis affects a facet joint, it often causes pinched nerve fibers, and this can lead to back pain.
DVR is intended to treat this pain by cutting the nerve fibers sending pain signals to your brain. To accomplish this, a small incision is made above the affected joint, and a hollow metal tube called a tubular retractor is inserted into the incision. This tool allows surgeons to gently move aside rather than cut soft tissue in the back, and it allows them to directly access the nerve fibers. A wire with a lighted camera on the end, or endoscope, is inserted into the tubular retractor to provide a direct view of the operation site. A special tool is then used to cut the nerve fibers. Finally, the retractor and endoscope are removed, and the incision is closed.
Who can direct visualized rhizotomy help?
DVR is commonly used to treat nerve pain caused by facet joint osteoarthritis. It can also be used to help patients who have had an unsuccessful radiofrequency ablation (RFA). RFA is a procedure that uses an electrical tool designed to burn nerve fibers that are causing pain. However, burned fibers can heal after this procedure, which may allow your back pain to return. Also, DVR is intended to help patients with nerve pain caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Phoenix Spine & Joint offers minimally invasive direct visualized rhizotomy
Some surgeons are still treating facet joint issues using invasive procedures like spinal fusion. If you’re considering having spinal fusion to treat a painful facet joint, you may want to get a second opinion about minimally invasive DVR.
Phoenix Spine & Joint is here to help you find the second opinion you need. Our team has performed thousands of DVR procedures, and we’re committed to providing our patients with the highest level of satisfaction. Our success at providing this is visible in the 99% patient satisfaction rating we currently enjoy. Our team also works hard to reduce the risk of post-surgical infection for our patients, and we have a nearly 0% post-surgical infection rate to show our success in this area.
Are you ready to take the next step to treat your back pain with DVR? Contact one of our care specialists today for more information or to schedule a free second opinion.
