At Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates, we are dedicated to providing advanced treatments to help our patients manage pain and improve their quality of life. One of the key areas we specialize in is spine and musculoskeletal interventional procedures. These minimally invasive techniques are designed to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the spine and musculoskeletal system.

Understanding Spine & Musculoskeletal Interventional Procedures

Interventional procedures are non-surgical treatments that involve the use of imaging guidance to precisely target the source of pain. These procedures can provide significant relief for patients suffering from chronic pain, allowing them to return to their daily activities with improved function and comfort.

Common Interventional Procedures

Here are some of the most commonly performed spine and musculoskeletal interventional procedures at our clinic:

1. Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal nerves, reducing inflammation and pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
2. Facet Joint Injections: Used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints in the spine, these injections can provide relief from conditions like arthritis and facet joint syndrome.
3. Sacroiliac Joint Injections: These injections target the sacroiliac joint, which connects the lower spine to the pelvis, to alleviate pain caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
4. Nerve Blocks: Nerve blocks involve injecting medication around specific nerves to block pain signals. They are often used to diagnose the source of pain and provide temporary relief.
5. Radiofrequency Ablation: This procedure uses heat generated by radio waves to destroy nerve fibers that carry pain signals, providing long-term relief for chronic pain conditions.
6. Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: These procedures involve injecting bone cement into fractured vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain caused by compression fractures.

Benefits of Interventional Procedures

Interventional procedures offer several benefits, including:

• Minimally Invasive: These procedures are less invasive than traditional surgery, resulting in shorter recovery times and fewer complications.
• Targeted Treatment: By using imaging guidance, we can precisely target the source of pain, leading to more effective treatment.
• Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant pain relief, allowing them to participate in physical therapy and other rehabilitation activities.

Meet Dr. Stephen Dechter

Dr. Stephen Dechter is a proud native of the Tri-Cities and is deeply honored to have the opportunity to return home and serve the community. Coming from a long line of educators, he has a profound passion for training the next generation of doctors. You will often find him accompanied by a medical student or two, sharing knowledge and fostering their growth.

Dr. Dechter's expertise in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, combined with Interventional Pain Management, equips him with a unique skill set. This allows him to offer patients alternative solutions beyond just medications or surgery. He takes pride in his ability to step back, view problems from different angles, and introduce fresh perspectives to treatment plans. His primary goals are to provide high-quality patient care, achieve excellent outcomes, reduce pain, restore function, and enhance the quality of life.

He is board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with a subspecialty in Pain Medicine. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Dechter completed his fellowship training in Pain Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles/VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. He completed his residency at MetroHealth Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, CA. Additionally, he serves as adjunct faculty at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, where he is the Tri-Cities Regional Dean Liaison and a Master Preceptor.

Dr. Dechter's special emphasis areas include sports medicine, spine and musculoskeletal interventional procedures, regenerative medicine techniques, neuromodulation, and spinal cord stimulation. In his free time, he enjoys staying active through fitness and nutrition, woodworking, spending time outdoors, engaging in medical education, and cherishing moments with his family.

Benefits of Interventional Procedures

Interventional procedures offer several benefits, including:

• Minimally Invasive: These procedures are less invasive than traditional surgery, resulting in shorter recovery times and fewer complications.
• Targeted Treatment: By using imaging guidance, we can precisely target the source of pain, leading to more effective treatment.
• Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant pain relief, allowing them to participate in physical therapy and other rehabilitation activities.

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates, our team of experienced specialists is committed to providing the highest quality care. We use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure our patients receive the best possible outcomes. Our goal is to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life through personalized treatment plans.

Contact Us

If you are experiencing chronic pain and are interested in learning more about our spine and musculoskeletal interventional procedures, please contact us to schedule a consultation.



📍 Address: 8200 West Gage Boulevard, Kennewick, WA 99336
📞 Phone: 509-586-2828