Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (Intracept Procedure)

Highly invasive: This procedure destroys normal bone and bone marrow from the spine and may result in spinal instability.

Excessive bleeding: Muscle trauma and bone destruction cause bleeding.

Destruction of normal stabilizing bones including pedicle and vertebral body by the surgeon during Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

Destruction of normal stabilizing ligaments including facet capsule by the surgeon during Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

Damage of normal muscles around the spine by the surgeon during Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

Scar tissue forms within and around the spine and nerves after Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

Worst of all, the actual source of back pain (pain generator) is NOT treated with this procedure. Disc herniations and degenerated discs are not treated when Basivertebral Nerve Ablation is performed. They are the most common cause of back and leg pain.

Stenosis is not treated with Basivertebral Nerve Ablation.

Bone necrosis (bone death) is common after Basivertebral Nerve Ablation and may require additional surgery

Excessive pain may occur after Basivertebral Nerve Ablation due to muscle or bone necrosis (death). The dying muscles and bone cause severe postoperative pain that requires opioid painkillers and muscle relaxers. Opioid painkillers are highly addicting, cause tolerance, abuse and even death from breathing failure.

Back pain may become worse after Basivertebral Nerve Ablation. Fusion may be necessary.

Additional surgery will likely be necessary in patients having Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

Nerve root damage

Spinal fluid leak

Infection of bone or spine

Instability from surgery

Fractured bones in spine

Failure to eliminate back pain