Percutaneous trigeminal nerve radiofrequency rhizotomy guided by computerized tomography fluoroscopy. Technical note

J Neurosurg. 2003 Oct;99(4):785-6. doi: 10.3171/jns.2003.99.4.0785.

Abstract

The authors describe a new procedure for percutaneous trigeminal radiofrequency rhizotomy. Computerized tomography fluoroscopy is used for guidance of the rhizotomy needle insertion through the foramen ovale. Ten patients were treated using this method, and in each case the target was reached with a single puncture. The potential benefits of this method are presented.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fluoroscopy / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiosurgery / instrumentation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rhizotomy / instrumentation*
  • Sphenoid Bone
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / surgery
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / therapy*