What is endoscopic laser facet debridement?

Laser facet debridement is a minimally invasive treatment for painful facet joints in the spine. These small joints link the vertebrae that form your spinal column and prevent excessive movement in your spine when you turn and bend.

Painful facet joints often respond well to radiofrequency ablation, another minimally invasive procedure that destroys the nerve roots transmitting facet joint pain to your brain. However, the treated nerves can regenerate in time, which could trigger renewed facet joint pain.

Endoscopic facet debridement removes the nerve end plates in each facet joint capsule. The Minimally Invasive Medical Group team uses laser energy to complete the procedure with utmost precision.

Why would I need endoscopic laser facet debridement?

If you have facet joint disease and other treatments are failing, you might benefit from laser facet debridement. Facet joint pain is often caused by osteoarthritis, a common condition in which the joints deteriorate after years of use.

Facet joint disease typically causes a dull ache in the affected part of your spine. Some patients also develop additional symptoms, including sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the leg. This symptom resembles sciatica, where the sciatic nerve comes under pressure.

Conservative treatments, including medication and physical therapy, can ease facet joint pain, with steroid injections helping in more severe cases. Minimally Invasive Medical Group might suggest radiofrequency ablation if these treatments no longer work.

This treatment heats the nerves associated with the painful joints, offering long-term relief for many people. If the nerves regrow following radiofrequency ablation, your provider can perform laser facet debridement.

What happens when I have endoscopic laser facet debridement?

The first step in endoscopic laser facet debridement is identifying the facet joints using fluoroscopic (moving X-ray) guidance.

Your surgeon makes a half- to three-quarter-inch incision and inserts a guide wire that attaches to the joint. Next, they dilate (spread) the surrounding tissues. They apply laser (light) energy to the joint, which strips the tissue from the bone. Your surgeon ensures the joint surface is clear of capsular tissue, then stitches the incision closed.

Treating each facet joint takes 15-20 minutes, with most patients requiring laser facet debridement for up to four joints. Attending physical therapy after your surgery helps ensure optimal results.

Call Minimally Invasive Medical Group to learn more about endoscopic laser facet debridement or schedule a consultation via the online booking feature today.