Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Chronic vertebrogenic low back pain affects millions worldwide. Vertebral nerve ablation offers a promising solution. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that targets the basivertebral nerve. Using radiofrequency energy, it aims to reduce pain by destroying the intraosseous nerve.

Liv Hospital guides this process with patient-centered values and global standards. This guide provides a step-by-step look at the BVN procedure. It ensures safe and effective pain relief.

For those with chronic axial low back pain, vertebral nerve ablation is a viable option. It offers significant pain reduction and improves functional ability.

Key Takeaways

• Vertebral nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for managing chronic vertebrogenic low back pain.
• The procedure involves using radiofrequency energy to target the basivertebral nerve.
• Guided by patient-centered values, this technique ensures safe and effective relief.
• Significant improvements in pain reduction and functional disability can be achieved.
• The BVN procedure is a promising solution for those suffering from chronic axial low back pain.

Understanding Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

It’s key for doctors to know about basivertebral nerve ablation for better pain care. This method, also called BVN ablation, is a small procedure to treat back pain.

Definition and Clinical Purpose

Basivertebral nerve ablation uses radiofrequency to block the basivertebral nerve. This nerve affects the back’s pain signals. The goal is to stop chronic back pain from the vertebrae or endplates.

The basivertebral nerve sends pain signals to the brain. By blocking this nerve, pain signals can be greatly reduced. This helps those with long-term back pain.

Evolution of BVN Ablation Techniques

Techniques for basivertebral nerve ablation have changed a lot. At first, methods were not as precise, leading to mixed results. But new tech and understanding of the nerve have made the process better.

• Improved imaging helps make BVN ablation more accurate.
• New radiofrequency tech allows for better and more controlled ablation.
• Knowing more about the nerve’s role in pain has improved treatment plans.

These improvements have made basivertebral nerve ablation a trusted treatment for back pain. It offers hope to those who haven’t found relief with other treatments.

Basivertebral Nerve Anatomy and Pain Pathways

The basivertebral nerve is a key part of the vertebral body’s network. It helps send pain signals from damaged vertebral endplates. This complex system is vital for understanding how pain is transmitted from these areas.

Vertebral Endplate Innervation Patterns

The vertebral endplates have a network of nerve fibers. The basivertebral nerve is a major part of this network. Research shows that how these nerves are arranged can affect pain.

Important factors include:

• The density of nerve fibers in the endplates.
• The presence of nociceptors that respond to different stimuli.
• The interaction between nerve fibers and the vertebral structures.

Knowing these patterns is key to treating vertebrogenic pain well.

Vertebrogenic Pain Mechanisms

Vertebrogenic pain comes from the vertebral structures, like the endplates and the basivertebral nerve. The pain mechanisms involve:

1. The sending of pain signals through the basivertebral nerve.
2. The role of inflammation and irritation in causing pain.
3. The central sensitization and modulation of pain.

These mechanisms show how complex vertebrogenic pain is. They highlight the need for specific treatments, like basivertebral nerve ablation, to tackle the pain’s source.

Patient Selection Criteria

Choosing the right patients is key to the success of Basivertebral Nerve Ablation. It works best for those with long-term low back pain who haven’t found relief with other treatments.

Indications for BVN Ablation

BVN Ablation is for people with chronic low back pain and Modic changes on MRI. These changes show damage and inflammation in the spine, leading to pain.

• Chronic low back pain lasting more than 6 months
• Modic Type 1 or 2 changes on MRI
• Failure to respond to conservative management

Modic changes are important in choosing patients. They help predict who will likely get pain relief from BVN Ablation.

Contraindications and Risk Assessment

BVN Ablation is mostly safe, but there are contraindications to consider. These include active infections, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, and certain spine conditions that make it hard to reach the BVN.

A detailed risk assessment is vital. It helps find any reasons a patient might not be a good fit for BVN Ablation.

Pre-Procedure Planning and Preparation

Getting ready for Vertebral Nerve Ablation is key to its success. This step includes important actions to make sure the procedure goes well and safely.

Required Imaging Studies and Interpretation

A recent lumbar spine MRI is a mandatory imaging study before Vertebral Nerve Ablation. It checks the spine’s shape and finds any problems that might affect the procedure.

“Accurate imaging is the cornerstone of successful Vertebral Nerve Ablation,” a top pain management expert says. The MRI must be reviewed well to know the patient’s anatomy and any issues.

Patient Preparation Protocol

Patients getting Vertebral Nerve Ablation need to prepare in a certain way. They must stop blood thinners as told by their doctor and have a driver for the day of the procedure.

• Stop blood thinners as advised.
• Arrive with a driver.
• Follow any additional instructions provided by the healthcare team

Equipment and Room Setup

The room for the procedure must have all the needed tools, like the radiofrequency ablation unit and monitoring devices. All equipment must work well for the procedure’s success.

Proper equipment setup makes the procedure safer and more effective. The team should know how to use all the equipment for Vertebral Nerve Ablation.

Vertebral Nerve Ablation Procedure: Step-by-Step Approach

For a successful vertebral nerve ablation procedure, a step-by-step approach is key. This process includes several important steps. Each step must be done with great care to ensure the procedure works well and is safe.

Patient Positioning and Anesthesia Administration

The first step is to position the patient correctly. They are usually placed on their stomach on a special table. This helps with the use of X-rays to guide the procedure. Local anesthesia is given to reduce pain during the procedure. The anesthesia is managed carefully to keep the patient comfortable but able to respond if needed.

Transpedicular Access Technique

The next step is to access the basivertebral nerve using the transpedicular technique. This method uses X-rays to find the right spot and path. A guidewire is then inserted through the pedicle into the vertebra. After that, a drill or trocar is used to make a path for the radiofrequency probe.

Intraosseous Navigation to the Basivertebral Nerve

After accessing the pedicle, the goal is to reach the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebra. This requires careful intraosseous navigation with X-rays to place the radiofrequency probe close to the nerve.

Radiofrequency Probe Placement and Verification

The last step is to place and check the radiofrequency probe. The probe is put next to the basivertebral nerve. Its position is checked with X-rays and sensory tests to make sure it’s right. After confirming, radiofrequency ablation is done to get the desired effect.

The main steps in the vertebral nerve ablation procedure are:

• Patient positioning and anesthesia administration
• Transpedicular access technique
• Intraosseous navigation to the basivertebral nerve
• Radiofrequency probe placement and verification

By following these steps, healthcare professionals can make sure the procedure is safe and effective.

The Intracept Procedure: Technical Specifics

The Intracept procedure is a big step forward in treating chronic back pain. It uses the Intracept system to target and treat the pain at its source. This method is precise and effective for those with back pain.

Intracept System Components and Setup

The Intracept system has important parts like a special RF probe and a navigation system. Getting everything set up right is key to success. It helps place the RF probe accurately.

The setup includes:

• Configuring the navigation system
• Preparing the RF probe
• Calibrating the equipment

Procedural Differences from Standard Approaches

The Intracept procedure is different from other treatments in a few ways. It targets the basivertebral nerve more precisely. This is thanks to its advanced navigation and special RF probe.

Optimizing Treatment Delivery

Getting the most out of the Intracept procedure takes careful planning. Imaging before the procedure is very important. It helps doctors tailor the treatment for the best results.

Understanding the Intracept procedure’s technical details helps doctors provide better care. This knowledge is vital for treating patients with this new method.

Post-Procedure Care and Management

Proper care after vertebral nerve ablation is key to the best recovery. This phase is vital to ensure patients get the most benefits and avoid complications.

Immediate Recovery Monitoring

Patients are watched closely in a recovery area right after the procedure. Vital signs are checked regularly, and they’re looked for signs of neurological issues or other problems. This watchful period is important to catch and fix any issues quickly.

Discharge Instructions and Activity Guidelines

Before leaving, patients get clear instructions on care, including what activities to avoid and how to take medications. It’s important to avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activities for a while to prevent issues. They’re also told how to handle side effects and what to watch for that might mean a problem.

Follow-up Protocol and Assessment

A follow-up plan is set up to check on the patient’s progress and see if the treatment is working. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to check pain levels, how well the patient is functioning, and if they’re happy with the results. This ongoing check-up lets doctors make changes to the treatment plan if needed.

By sticking to a detailed care and management plan, healthcare providers can make sure patients get the best results from vertebral nerve ablation procedures.

Potential Complications and Management

Vertebral nerve ablation is effective but comes with risks. It’s important to know about possible complications for the best care. Understanding the risks and having plans to manage them is key.

Procedure-Related Complications

Complications can include infection, bleeding, and nerve injury. Infection is a risk, and prophylactic antibiotics help prevent it. Bleeding can be minor or severe and needs to be watched. Nerve injury is serious and can happen if the procedure isn’t done right.

To lower these risks, careful planning and precise technique are vital. This means choosing the right patient, using accurate imaging, and doing the procedure with great care.

Recognition and Management Strategies

Spotting complications early is key to managing them well. For infection, watch for fever or pain and give antibiotics if needed. Bleeding needs quick action, possibly including imaging and intervention. Nerve injury might need specialist help and further treatment.

Managing complications well involves a clear plan, a skilled team, and access to resources and specialists. Being ready helps healthcare providers reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Vertebral nerve ablation is a helpful treatment for chronic back pain. It offers significant pain relief to the right patients.

Knowing the anatomy of the basivertebral nerves and the procedure is key to success.

This guide has covered the vertebral nerve ablation process. It includes everything from planning before the procedure to care after it.

In short, vertebral nerve ablation is a good option for those with chronic back pain. This guide has given a detailed look at the treatment.

FAQ

References

1. Chang, C.-C., et al. (2023). Basivertebral Nerve Ablation. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572127/​