Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

Experiencing chronic low back pain disrupts daily activities and mobility. Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics specialists work with patients dealing with back pain to return them to pain-free living. If you’re experiencing chronic low back pain, you may be a candidate for the Basivertebral Nerve Ablation procedure.  

What is a Basivertebral Nerve Ablation Procedure? 

This is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure with fluoroscopy to ablate (burn) the basivertebral nerve in the lumbar spine. The basivertebral nerve is the pain-generating nerve in the spine. The goal of the procedure is to destroy this nerve. Dr. Michael Del Busto works with patients who have not responded to conservative treatments to provide pain relief. 

“We now have an exciting new treatment for chronic low back pain, and the relief is permanent,” said Dr. Michael Del Busto. “The basivertebral nerve ablation is a game changer for my patients and eliminates chronic low back pain without surgery.” 

Who Can Benefit from Basivertebral Nerve Ablation? 
This procedure is intended for patients with chronic low back pain who have failed conservative care. These patients also have specific findings called, Modic changes, on their MRI. Modic changes are detectable degenerative alterations in spinal vertebral endplates. These changes cause chronic low back pain, stiffness, increased pain during activity or after a night’s rest. This procedure is not for patients with referred pain in the legs with numbness, burning or weakness. 

What is the Process of the Procedure? 
The procedure burns and destroys the nerve. Basivertebral nerve ablation takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete in an outpatient surgery center. This procedure is permanent. 

What is the Efficacy of Basivertebral Nerve Ablation? 
In 70% to 75% of patients, this procedure reduces pain by 50% to 100%. 

What Is the Expected Recovery Timeframe? 
The patient will go home the same day after the procedure. Most patients return to light activity within 24 to 48 hours. Full recovery typically occurs within one to two weeks. 

How Long Do Results Last? 
Based on the latest clinical data, this procedure offers sustained relief for at least five years. Ongoing studies are being done to provide longer-term outcome data. Individual results may vary. 

“Patients can experience pain relief as quickly as a few weeks with maximum pain relief at 3 months,” said Dr. Michael Del Busto. “Many patients are excited to tell me they simply forgot that they have back pain.” 

Does Insurance Cover Basivertebral Nerve Ablation? 
Medicare and most commercial insurances cover this procedure.  

Meet With a Specialist Today  
If you’re ready to put an end to your low back pain, we are here to help. Restore the function of your spine and relieve chronic pain by experiencing the difference the Basivertebral Nerve Ablation procedure can make. Call 317.817.1200 to schedule a consultation with Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics today in Carmel, Indiana* or schedule a consultation today to get back to your forté. 

*The Basivertebral Nerve Ablation procedure will take place in the Franciscan Orthopedic Surgery Center at the Carmel Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics location.