Ablative nerve blocks are used to treat chronic back pain and sciatica of unknown etiology as an alternative to surgical severing of the dorsal rami. Nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves coagulation necrosis of afferent nociceptive signals via high-frequency waves (300 to 500 Hz). It has typically been used to treat facet-mediated axial back pain of the cervical and lumbar spine that has failed conservative therapy. Ablative nerve blocks are usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Ablation is also indicated in the treatment of knee joint osteoarthritis, trigeminal neuralgia, and abdominal and thoracic chronic pain syndromes. This educational activity empowers healthcare professionals to better understand ablation procedures and the risks involved. Given that the procedure is commonly performed for the treatment of back pain, the discussion will concentrate on this indication and briefly address other treatable conditions. The ablative nerve block procedure is reviewed, including relevant anatomy, indications, and contraindications.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/25734
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABOS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABOS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Adult Reconstruction, Ambulatory/Outpatient, General Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Neuro Anesthesia, Neuropathology (incl. Neuromuscular), Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Regional Anesthesia/Acute Pain, Sports Medicine, Surgery of the Spine