Radiofrequency Ablation Background

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Patna

PRECISION NEUROMODULATION

Long-Term Non-Surgical Relief for Chronic Joint & Nerve Pain

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), also termed Radiofrequency Neurotomy or Rhizotomy, is a sophisticated daycare interventional procedure that uses heat energy or pulsed electrical fields to safely interrupt pain signals traveling from arthritic joints and damaged nerves to the brain.

Under live C-Arm Fluoroscopic X-Ray imaging, a specialized insulated micro-cannula is guided to the precise sensory nerve responsible for transmitting pain (e.g., the medial branch nerves for spine facet joints, lateral branches for the SI joint, or genicular nerves for knee arthritis).

Before delivering therapy, Dr. Shrutika Bhagat conducts precision sensory and motor stimulation testing to ensure 100% motor safety. The targeted sensory nerve is then deactivated, delivering 12 to 24+ months of sustained, drug-free pain relief without open surgery or implants.

Key Clinical Facts

12–24+ Months Relief

Significantly longer relief than standard temporary injections.

Motor Nerve Safety

Electronic testing ensures zero motor or muscle impairment.

Daycare Walking

No stitches, no incisions; walk home within 1 hour.

C-Arm Fluoroscopy Guided Radiofrequency Ablation
C-Arm Radiofrequency System
Sub-Millimeter Sensory Nerve Deactivation & Electronic Safety Testing
CLINICAL INDICATIONS

Conditions Successfully Treated with RFA

Targeted therapeutic applications of thermal and pulsed radiofrequency neurotomy.

Lumbar Facet Joint RFA
Lower Back

Lumbar Facet Joint Neurotomy

Thermal ablation of the medial branch nerves for chronic lower back pain that worsens with backward bending, twisting, or prolonged standing.

  • Eliminates spinal facet arthritis pain
  • 12 to 24 months of sustained mobility
Cervical Facet RFA
Neck & Head

Cervical Facet & Headache RFA

Ablation of cervical medial branches and third occipital nerve (TON) for chronic neck stiffness, whiplash, and cervicogenic headaches originating from the upper neck.

  • Stops neck-triggered headaches
  • Restores smooth neck rotation
Sacroiliac Joint RFA
Pelvis & Buttock

Sacroiliac (SI) Lateral Branch RFA

C-Arm cooled or thermal denervation of the L5 dorsal ramus and S1-S3 lateral branch sensory nerves for persistent buttock, groin, and pelvic pain caused by SI joint arthritis.

  • Relief from deep buttock & transition pain
  • Avoids major pelvic fusion surgery
Knee Genicular Nerve RFA
Knee Arthritis

Knee Genicular Nerve RFA

Ablation of the superior medial, superior lateral, and inferior medial genicular nerves for chronic knee osteoarthritis in elderly patients or those unfit for total knee replacement surgery.

  • Non-surgical alternative to knee replacement
  • Dramatically improves walking ability
Trigeminal Neuralgia RFA
Facial Pain

Trigeminal Ganglion (Gasserian) RFA

Percutaneous Hartel approach through the foramen ovale to deliver thermal or pulsed radiofrequency lesioning to the Gasserian ganglion for severe electric shock facial pain.

  • Stops unbearable electric facial attacks
  • Daycare procedure with zero open brain surgery
Dorsal Root Ganglion Pulsed RFA
Neuropathic Pain

DRG Pulsed RFA for Neuropathy

Non-thermal pulsed electromagnetic fields (42°C) applied to spinal dorsal root ganglions to soothe hyperactive nerve pain in chronic sciatica, post-herpetic neuralgia, and CRPS.

  • Non-destructive neuromodulation
  • Resets hyper-sensitized spinal pathways
CLINICAL RIGOR

Our Proven 2-Stage Protocol for RFA

We never guess. Every candidate undergoes a diagnostic prognostic test block before therapeutic ablation.

1
Step 1: Confirmation

Diagnostic Test Block (MBB)

A tiny amount of local anesthetic is injected over the target sensory nerve under live C-Arm guidance. If you experience 70% to 80%+ immediate pain reduction during functional movement, it confirms the nerve as the exact pain generator, guaranteeing a successful RFA outcome.

2
Step 2: Long-Term Cure

Therapeutic Radiofrequency (RFA)

With the pain source confirmed, therapeutic radiofrequency current is applied for 90 seconds per nerve. The sensory nerve is deactivated, blocking pain transmission while motor nerves remain completely untouched, providing 1 to 2 years of lasting relief.

PROCEDURAL EXCELLENCE

What to Expect During Your RFA Procedure

A seamless, painless daycare procedure performed under sterile operation theatre conditions.

1

Local Numbing & Prep

The patient is comfortably positioned. The target skin area is thoroughly numbed with a mild local anesthetic.

2

C-Arm Cannula Placement

Under live C-Arm fluoroscopic guidance, the specialized radiofrequency micro-needle is positioned against the target nerve.

3

Electrical Safety Testing

Sensory & motor stimulation checks confirm perfect proximity to sensory pain fibers with zero motor nerve involvement.

4

Ablation & Same-Day Discharge

Ablation is completed in 90 seconds. The patient rests for 30 minutes in recovery and walks home comfortably.

Dr. Shrutika Bhagat
Fellowship-Trained Interventional Specialist

Dr. Shrutika Bhagat

MBBS, MD, FIRA, FIAPM | Interventional Pain & Spine Endoscopy

Dr. Shrutika Bhagat brings advanced fellowship qualifications in interventional pain medicine and radiofrequency neuromodulation. Having trained at premier orthopaedic centers across India (including Ganga Hospital Coimbatore and Cheers Hospital Ahmedabad), she has performed thousands of successful C-Arm guided radiofrequency ablations for facet arthritis, chronic neck pain, sacroiliac dysfunction, knee osteoarthritis, and trigeminal neuralgia in Patna.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Radiofrequency Ablation FAQs

Clear answers regarding RFA longevity, safety, nerve recovery, and post-procedure care.

Pain relief from RFA typically lasts between 12 to 24 months, and in many patients, multiple years. Because sensory nerves regrow very slowly over time, the procedure provides sustained, long-term freedom from chronic back, neck, or joint pain without needing daily painkillers.
No. RFA exclusively targets tiny sensory nerve branches (medial branches, genicular nerves) that carry only pain sensation from arthritic joints. Before applying any current, Dr. Shrutika Bhagat performs electronic motor stimulation testing to ensure the needle is safely away from any motor nerves controlling leg or arm movement.
Yes. If the sensory nerve slowly regenerates after 18 to 24 months and pain recurs, RFA can be repeated safely with the same high success rate and relief duration.
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. A local anesthetic is injected to numb both the skin and the target nerve before the radiofrequency heating begins, ensuring you feel only mild warmth or slight pressure.
RFA is a day-care procedure. Patients rest for 30 minutes in recovery and go home the same day. Most patients return to normal office work and light activities within 24 to 48 hours.

Gain 12 to 24 Months of Freedom from Chronic Pain

Consult Dr. Shrutika Bhagat in Patna for precision C-Arm guided Radiofrequency Ablation and personalized joint care.