Radiofrequency Ablation for Zygapophyseal Joint Pain

Radiofrequency ablation for spinal zygapophyseal joint pain is a safe and effective procedure in carefully selected patients when an appropriate technique is used. The equipment and techniques for performing this procedure have evolved over the past several decades. Likewise, the selection criteria have been refined to optimize results. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology of zygapophyseal joint pain, patient selection and outcomes data associated with RFA, and risks and contraindications of the procedure.