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 |