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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • January 30, 2019
Radiofrequency Ablation: The Key to Treating Chronic Pain in Baton Rouge

Chronic pain is a very real and debilitating condition for millions of Americans. Lower back pain, neck pain, and arthritis are among the most common sources of chronic pain and the leading causes of disability in the nation. Such conditions not only interfere with a patient’s quality of life but seeking effective treatment can become overwhelmingly expensive and time-consuming. It’s imperative that chronic pain sufferers find a treatment that is capable of bringing long-term relief. For many, radiofrequency ablation is one such option.


What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to address the specific nerves involved in a patient’s pain. By using a radiofrequency current to apply heat to targeted nerves, physicians can inhibit their ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.


How is Radiofrequency Ablation Performed?

Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure performed under conscious sedation. After receiving IV medications to aid in relaxation, a patient will lay down on their stomach or back, depending on the location of the targeted nerves. A thin needle is then inserted at the site and a microelectrode threaded through. Finally, the microelectrode is used to transmit a radiofrequency current to the nerve.


What Results can I Expect from Radiofrequency Ablation?

The recovery time from RFA is brief with most patients returning to normal activity the following day. Potential complications are minimal and include slight swelling, bruising, and discomfort at the insertion site. Best of all, it is proven to be effective for the majority of qualified patients. Over 70% of those treated with RFA report relief from their pain. This relief may last from six to 18 months, and in some instances, relief may continue for years without the need for additional treatment. Thanks to its minimally invasive nature, RFA can be repeated as needed.


Am I a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?

As is the case with any medical procedure, success depends largely on patient eligibility. An ideal RFA patient is one for whom a physician has been able to successfully provide pain relief with test nerve block injections. These injections can be performed in the physician’s office, take little time to complete, and require no downtime. After having two test blocks performed two weeks apart, patients can then move on to having their RFA procedure.


Radiofrequency Ablation in Baton Rouge

Equally as important as the procedure itself is the practitioner who will perform RFA. Patients should look for a surgeon who frequently performs the procedure, as well as one who is intimately familiar with musculoskeletal pain. Dr. Matthew Neumann of the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge is a fellowship-trained Pain Medicine physician with board certifications in both Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine and rehabilitation. He frequently performs radiofrequency ablations with high levels of success and patient satisfaction.

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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