Image-guided focused ultrasound rhizotomy for facet joint pain
Official title: Image-guided FUS Rhizotomy Using Dual-mode Ultrasound Array Systems
Funded at Nusonex LLC · NIH-11409925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new device uses image-guided focused ultrasound to relieve facet joint pain without needing fluoroscopy or general anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nusonex LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edina, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $323,645 |
| NIH project number | 1R41EB039603-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with facet joint–related back or neck pain who have not responded to conservative treatments and may be candidates for rhizotomy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose pain is not nerve-related or who do not respond to nerve-targeted interventions may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing a noninvasive ultrasound-based therapy to numb the nerves causing facet joint pain. It builds on dual-mode ultrasound array technology to target nerves precisely while avoiding X-ray guidance. The project aims to show that the procedure can be done safely and effectively in a less burdensome way than current fluoroscopy-guided rhizotomy. If successful, it could shorten procedure time and reduce anesthesia needs for people with chronic back pain. The work will involve device development, imaging guidance, and early testing to define how clearly the target nerves can be identified and treated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience relief from facet joint pain with a less invasive procedure that avoids fluoroscopy and general anesthesia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous RF rhizotomy shows pain relief at 12 months, but this approach aims to improve safety and accessibility with noninvasive ultrasound.
Where this research is happening
-
Nusonex LLC
Edina, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ebbini, Emad S. — Nusonex LLC
- Study coordinator: Ebbini, Emad S.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.