Facet Joint Thermal Ablation

Facet thermal ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure is used to treat arthritis, injured or degenerative facet joints. The facet joints link the vertebrae together and enable forward movement, backward motion, and twisting of the spine. Over time, as cartilage and connective tissues in the facet joints lose elasticity and begin to wear away, the bony parts of the joint can rub together, causing limited mobility and a number of painful symptoms. Often, in an attempt to repair and protect themselves, facet joints develop growths called bone spurs that can press against spinal nerves and cause painful symptoms.

Often, in an attempt to repair and protect themselves, facet joints develop growths called bone spurs that can press against spinal nerves and cause painful symptoms. The aim of a facet thermal ablation is to deaden the affected local nerve and clean off the joint with a laser.