Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (Intracept)

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Anatomical and Physiological Basis

During degenerative disease, the degeneration can lead to damage to nociceptors in the vertebral end plates which transmit pain signals via the basivertebral nerves¹. Basivertebral nerves (BVNs) are sensory afferents that transmit nociceptive signals from the vertebral endplate¹.

Indications

Table 1: Indications and Contraindications of basivertebral ablation¹

Indications	Contraindications
Chronic axial low back pain >6 mo refractory to conservative therapy for >6 mo and Modic Type 1 or 2 changes on MRI in L3–S1 at one or more levels	Active systemic or local infection
	Skeletal immaturity
	Pregnancy Pacemakers
	Defibrillators or other electronic implants
	Severe cardiac or pulmonary compromise
	Ablation zone is <10 mm from spinal canal

Technique

Anesthesia

This procedure can use a variety of anesthesia such as general anesthesia or moderate sedation¹.

References

1.

Huang J, Delijani K, Jones J, et al. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation. Seminars in Interventional Radiology. 2022;39(2):162-166. doi:10.1055/s-0042-1745794