Pain: radiofrequency ablation of facet joint pain: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · Pain: radiofrequency ablation of facet joint pain

Sample item

Radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch nerves is used for which kind of pain?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lumbar facet joint pain confirmed by diagnostic medial branch blocks

The facet joints are supplied by the medial branches of the dorsal rami. After two positive diagnostic medial branch blocks, radiofrequency thermal ablation of these nerves gives longer relief of axial back or neck pain. Pain can return as the nerves regenerate and the procedure may be repeated.

Option by option

  • A. Visceral pain from pancreatic cancer

    Pancreatic cancer pain is treated by coeliac plexus neurolysis.

  • B. Acute radicular pain from disc prolapse

    Radicular pain from disc prolapse is treated by epidural steroid or surgery.

  • C. Lumbar facet joint pain confirmed by diagnostic medial branch blocks (correct)

    Correct. Medial branch ablation treats facet-mediated axial pain.

  • D. Trigeminal neuralgia of the V3 division

    Trigeminal neuralgia is treated with drugs or ablation of the trigeminal ganglion.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is C, Lumbar facet joint pain confirmed by diagnostic medial branch blocks. The facet joints are supplied by the medial branches of the dorsal rami.

Why is "Visceral pain from pancreatic cancer" not the answer?

Pancreatic cancer pain is treated by coeliac plexus neurolysis.

Why is "Acute radicular pain from disc prolapse" not the answer?

Radicular pain from disc prolapse is treated by epidural steroid or surgery.

Why is "Trigeminal neuralgia of the V3 division" not the answer?

Trigeminal neuralgia is treated with drugs or ablation of the trigeminal ganglion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pain: radiofrequency ablation of facet joint pain in Anaesthesia. After two positive diagnostic medial branch blocks, radiofrequency thermal ablation of these nerves gives longer relief of axial back or neck pain. Pain can return as the nerves regenerate and the procedure may be repeated.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Pain: radiofrequency ablation of facet joint pain?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.