Learn about Medial Branch Block Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Medial Branch Block and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Medial Branch Block

A Medial Branch Block (MBB) is a precise, minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure performed by neurosurgeons to identify and treat chronic neck or back pain originating from the facet joints of the spine. These joints can become a source of pain due to arthritis, injury, or degeneration. During the procedure, a small amount of local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a corticosteroid, is injected under X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) onto the medial branch nerves that supply sensation to specific facet joints. By temporarily numbing these nerves, the procedure helps confirm if the facet joint is the true pain source. A successful block can provide significant pain relief and is often a critical step before considering a longer-term solution like radiofrequency ablation.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive procedure with no surgical incision.Serves as both a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic treatment for pain.Performed under local anesthesia, often with light sedation for comfort.Uses real-time X-ray (fluoroscopy) for precise, targeted needle placement.Typically performed as an outpatient procedure with same-day discharge.Can provide significant, immediate pain relief to confirm a diagnosis.liLow risk of complications compared to open spine surgery./li/ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Chronic neck (cervical) or back (lumbar/thoracic) pain lasting more than 3-6 months.
  • Suspected facet joint syndrome or arthritis (spondylosis).
  • Pain that worsens with extension, twisting, or side-bending of the spine.
  • Localized tenderness over the facet joints of the spine.
  • Diagnostic evaluation to determine if facet joints are the pain source before considering radiofrequency ablation.
  • Pain that has not responded adequately to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections.

How to prepare

  • Complete a thorough medical evaluation and provide a full list of medications, especially blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel).
  • Follow specific instructions regarding fasting (typically 6-8 hours for solids) before the procedure if sedation is planned.
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure, as sedation may impair reflexes.
  • Inform your neurosurgeon of any allergies, particularly to iodine, contrast dye, or local anesthetics.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the appointment.

Risks & possible complications

  • Common temporary side effects include soreness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site.
  • Risk of infection, bleeding, or nerve injury, though these are rare.
  • Temporary increase in pain or a headache.
  • Allergic reaction to the anesthetic or contrast material (very rare).
  • Dizziness or a temporary drop in blood pressure.
  • Inadvertent injection into a blood vessel or the spinal canal is a rare but serious risk minimized by using fluoroscopic guidance.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • You will be monitored in a recovery area for 30-60 minutes post-procedure.
  • You may experience immediate pain relief from the anesthetic, which typically wears off in a few hours.
  • Keep the injection site clean and dry for 24 hours. You may shower the next day.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or driving for the first 24 hours.
  • You may resume normal activities and gentle walking as tolerated the following day.
  • Keep a pain diary to track your pain levels in the hours and days following the block, as this information is crucial for diagnosis.
  • Follow up with your neurosurgeon to discuss the results and plan the next steps, which may include a repeat block or radiofrequency ablation.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering medial branch block in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for medial branch block compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 163 – USD 435 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More
Turkey USD 1,208 – USD 3,221 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More

Top hospitals for Medial Branch Block in Turkey

These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing medial branch block.

Liv Hospital Ankara

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon140 Doctors

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon38 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

At my age, you worry about...

At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.

Neurosurgeons for Medial Branch Block

Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform medial branch block and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.

Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Baran Yilmaz
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Savaş Ceylan
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akın Akakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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