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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • January 25, 2022
Types of Back and Neck Pain Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be a gamechanger for the right candidate, alleviating pain that has previously been unresponsive to other treatment methods. It’s safe, effective, and the results last. Still, it isn’t the best choice for every type of back and neck pain. Rather, there are two specific types of pain that account for the majority of RFA procedures.


RFA for Facet Joint Pain

Facet joints connect the vertebrae of the spine. As one would expect, these joints aid in movement of the spine, allowing it to bend and twist as needed. Nerves run through the spinal column, including facet joints, to reach other parts of the body like the arms and legs. Sometimes, these joints can become inflamed due to an injury or health condition like arthritis. When this happens, the nerve roots running through the joint may become compressed and result in pain. Disorders of the facet joints include spinal osteoarthritis and spondylosis.

While treatment methods such as facet joint injections and pain medications may be able to offer relief, some patients will require additional treatment with radiofrequency ablation. RFA performed on the facet joints is known as medial branch RFA. During the procedure, an electrode is guided through a needle with the aid of x-ray technology. Once in place, the electrode uses heat to destroy part of the nerve root responsible for pain. Studies have shown that this treatment is successful in relieving facet joint pain in 45% to 60% of patients.


RFA for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

The sacroiliac joints connect the spine to the remainder of the pelvis and lower extremities. With that, they are joints that are under high levels of stress and sometimes develop forms of degenerative arthritis. They may also become painful due to injury or following pregnancy.

Radiofrequency ablation used to address SI joint pain is known as lateral branch RFA. As with medial branch RFA, this is accomplished by identifying the specific nerve roots responsible for pain and ablating them with extreme temperature. Studies show that RFA for SI joint pain is highly successful, relieving pain in 75% to 86% of patients.


Radiofrequency Ablation for Back Pain in Baton Rouge

If you are suffering from pain related to the facet or SI joints and are seeking relief, contact the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge to learn more about your treatment options. Our team of spine and pain specialists can help you better understand the source of your pain and guide you through the treatment methods best suited for you.


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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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