An endoscopic rhizotomy offered by DISC surgeons in Phoenix, AZ, is the least invasive yet most effective treatment option for chronic low back pain.
The outpatient procedure, performed through an ¼ inch incision, is the smallest in spine surgery. The endoscopic procedure targets the medial branch nerves located around the facet joints that relay the pain signal in your low back muscles to your brain.
When our surgeons directly visualize these nerves with an HD endoscope, they can ablate the nerve using a laser or radiofrequency probe with confidence, thus providing patients with long-term pain relief.
The endoscopic rhizotomy procedure was invented and developed at DISC by Anthony Yeung, MD (retired). Dr. Yeung saw a need to improve upon a pain management procedure called radiofrequency ablation (RFA), performed without direct visualization under X-ray guidance.
An RFA only provides patients temporary pain relief for six to twelve months. Endoscopic rhizotomy surgery significantly improves low back pain relief lasting up to five years. For many patients, this procedure is an excellent alternative to a lumbar spinal fusion. If you want to talk to one of our professionals about if an Endoscopic Rhizotomy procedure is for you, contact us or make an appointment today!