Skip to main content

Table 2 Main characteristics of the denervation procedure

From: Facet joint syndrome: from diagnosis to interventional management

Radiofrequency

Cryoneurolysis

Chemical neurolysis

Principle

Sinusoidal current

Ionic agitation

Tissular heating by friction

T > 45 C°

Joule–Thompson effect

Decompression of CO2 or N20

Ice ball

T > −20 C°

Protein denaturation

Advantages

Possibly longer effect

Technique described in more detail

Abundant literature

Wider range of needles available

Neuroma

Neuritis

Less tissue damage

Technically easier (bigger lesion)

Cheap

Available

Disadvantages

Neuroma formation(rare)

Neuritis

More tissue damage

Technically more challenging

Duration of effectiveness less assessed

Larger probes and coaxial needles

Not widely used in this indication

Neuritis

Neuroma

Tissue necrosis

Deafferentation pain

Uncontrolled diffusion