Radio frequency denerving

[f1swede]

Hello! I'm wondering if anybody on the forum had this procedure done. My PM doc is trying to talk me in to this procedure for my right shoulder. The problem i'm having is my ac joint has been overused since i had my accident back in -04 on my left shoulder. I had steroid injection a couple months ago and it helped for about a month. My Orthopedic doc has never heard of it and recommends not doing the procedure and that if you want your shoulder fixed he can help me. So i really dont know what to do now. With radio frequency denerving the heat up the needle with electricty and that way num the nerve for a period of time. I heard you can have relief up to a year and then the nerve has grown back. Any info on this would be great. Thanks, F1swede

[ChiariWolf]

It's been a year and half or so. At this point do you still feel that the Radio Frequency was the way to go? I'm asking because that is what my doctor is recommending.

Thanks for any input you can give me.

[f1swede]

Had my Radiofrequency denerving yesterday. It took about 15min to complete and the only thing i felt was pressure and a little pain from needle. So far so good i managed to get very good sleep and this morning i did not have the stiffnes i used to have in my shoulder. This procedure is suppose to last about 1 year so i will see how that works out. I dont have any pain today at all which is very enqouraging. I would reccomend this if anybody thjinking about doing this procedure. Hope this helps someone to make a easier decision. Thanks, f1swede

[f1swede]

Thanks for getting back to me. I think i will do this, the shoulder is hurting to bad right now. I will try to keep you guys updated. Thanks, Swede

[Tuckamore]

Hello Again Swede,

It's good to hear from you again. I appreciate the update. I have been wondering how you are doing. RFD is becoming very popular. There are pros and cons to the procedure. It is my understanding that there is no severe permanent adverse reaction. It can produce more severe pain from nerve irritation but this is reportedly short term

There are 2 types of radiofrequency denervation: heat lesions and pulsed lesions. The lesions are performed using an insulated needle through which an inner cannula (or catheter-like device) is placed. Your PMP is recommending the RFD heat lesion.

A heat lesion, which is used to destroy the nerve, is usually performed at 80 degrees for 90 seconds, often with a prior injection of numbing medication. The physician should be notified of any pain to the affected extremity during the lesion. If the lesion is conducted in the pulsed mode, it is performed under low heat of 42 degrees for 120 seconds. The pulsed lesion does not destroy but disables the nerve. There have been no reports of joint degeneration following these lesions.  

There are members on this site that have had that procedure. I beleive there has been both positive and negative responses. Once you are educated about and understand the procedure you should make the decision that you think is the best for you.

Best of luck to you. Please, if you don't mind keep us updated and share with us the results of your procedure. We all learn from one another. And as always, Take care, Tuck