Tribune News Network
Doha
Aspetar, one of the world’s leading sports medicine hospitals, has recently introduced Cooled Radiofrequency (C-RF) treatment, an innovative solution for joint and spinal pain.
Cooled Radiofrequency is a minimally invasive treatment option for nerves that transmit pain signals. It may provide non-surgical relief to those suffering from chronic pain in some cases due to surgery, trauma or osteoarthritis.
Dr Yasin S. AlMakadma, Consultant Pain Management at Aspetar, said: "Radiofrequency (RF) treatment procedures consist of applying a strong, high frequency electro-magnetic field at a specific nerve target. The Cooled variant uses a very small current of water to keep the temperature stable and better controlled around the tip of the electrode.
This technique consists of the use of a needle probe attached to a particular medical device- the RF Generator. The probe is placed under imaging guidance at the target nerve tissue followed by nerve testing before the application of the electromagnetic field. This results in a special type of non-permanent "lesion” of the nerve fibres allowing very good control of difficult pain conditions. RF lesioning procedures typically require from 15 to 45 minutes”.
Is the procedure painful? Aspetar experts respond: "Unlike surgery, there is no significant skin incision. Local anaesthesia is used before the procedure to reduce discomfort that may be felt during treatment. Most people can return to work one or two days after the procedure.
Where RF lesioning is designed to help people, who suffer from chronic pain. Aspetar experts use C-RF for areas including the knee, shoulder, hip, and the spine. "It is very important to be aware that no one technique fits all diseases! Therefore, the patient will have to be well-examined, the medical condition investigated by imaging such as X-Ray, US or/ and MRI before making the decision to perform this technique or another procedure as needed” added Dr Yasin.
The use of RF has been known for years, but cooled technology has recently become available. There is good evidence to support the use of C-RF. Good outcomes are also reported from clinical series using classical RF and C-RF (depending on the site to be treated). With a successful procedure, the pain improves or disappears within hours or days.
RF lesioning may provide the pain relief needed to allow patients to resume their daily activities; the pain relief usually lasts for months to years, although the results vary depending on the individual.
While this technique is usually performed in the field of surgery, some minor cases are offered at OPD clinics every Wednesday morning.
A leader in state-of-the-art technology in the region, Aspetar’s strategic objectives include the sharing and expansion of clinical knowledge and healthcare expertise to help meet the needs of sportsmen and women wherever they may be.
Doha
Aspetar, one of the world’s leading sports medicine hospitals, has recently introduced Cooled Radiofrequency (C-RF) treatment, an innovative solution for joint and spinal pain.
Cooled Radiofrequency is a minimally invasive treatment option for nerves that transmit pain signals. It may provide non-surgical relief to those suffering from chronic pain in some cases due to surgery, trauma or osteoarthritis.
Dr Yasin S. AlMakadma, Consultant Pain Management at Aspetar, said: "Radiofrequency (RF) treatment procedures consist of applying a strong, high frequency electro-magnetic field at a specific nerve target. The Cooled variant uses a very small current of water to keep the temperature stable and better controlled around the tip of the electrode.
This technique consists of the use of a needle probe attached to a particular medical device- the RF Generator. The probe is placed under imaging guidance at the target nerve tissue followed by nerve testing before the application of the electromagnetic field. This results in a special type of non-permanent "lesion” of the nerve fibres allowing very good control of difficult pain conditions. RF lesioning procedures typically require from 15 to 45 minutes”.
Is the procedure painful? Aspetar experts respond: "Unlike surgery, there is no significant skin incision. Local anaesthesia is used before the procedure to reduce discomfort that may be felt during treatment. Most people can return to work one or two days after the procedure.
Where RF lesioning is designed to help people, who suffer from chronic pain. Aspetar experts use C-RF for areas including the knee, shoulder, hip, and the spine. "It is very important to be aware that no one technique fits all diseases! Therefore, the patient will have to be well-examined, the medical condition investigated by imaging such as X-Ray, US or/ and MRI before making the decision to perform this technique or another procedure as needed” added Dr Yasin.
The use of RF has been known for years, but cooled technology has recently become available. There is good evidence to support the use of C-RF. Good outcomes are also reported from clinical series using classical RF and C-RF (depending on the site to be treated). With a successful procedure, the pain improves or disappears within hours or days.
RF lesioning may provide the pain relief needed to allow patients to resume their daily activities; the pain relief usually lasts for months to years, although the results vary depending on the individual.
While this technique is usually performed in the field of surgery, some minor cases are offered at OPD clinics every Wednesday morning.
A leader in state-of-the-art technology in the region, Aspetar’s strategic objectives include the sharing and expansion of clinical knowledge and healthcare expertise to help meet the needs of sportsmen and women wherever they may be.