Safety of radiofrequency denervation of the basivertebral nerve

Objective. To demonstrate safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the basivertebral nerve (BVN) using the VertiBlate technique in a pig and to evaluate histological features of vertebral tissues after this procedure. Material and methods. RFA of the BVN was performed at the L3, L4, and L5 levels in a 3-month-old pig using the VertiBlate technique. The procedure was carried out in the operating theater of the Scientific Educational Center for Experimental Surgery (Privolzhsky Research Medical University). Postoperative follow-up lasted 7 days. After that, the pig was euthanized, and vertebrae previously subjected to BVN RFA were harvested for histological examination. Results. No postoperative weakness in lower limbs was observed. The pig’s motor activity and behavior remained unchanged throughout the follow-up period. Histological examination demonstrated a central zone of necrosis at the site of RFA. Ablation zone did not exceed 1 cm in diameter. At the periphery of necrotic area, foci of cartilaginous tissue and remnants of bony trabeculae were identified. No pathological changes were observed in intact bone tissue. Conclusion. This study demonstrated safety of basivertebral nerve radiofrequency ablation using the VertiBlate technique in a pig.