Identifying Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain Likely to Benefit From Lumbar Facet Radiofrequency Denervation

Abstract

Rhizolysis is a valuable tool for the symptomatic treatment of chronic lumbar facet joint pain. A meticulous selection of patients using a combination of clinical history, examination, imaging tests, and lumbar facet joint block with a local anesthetic, achieves long-lasting results by helping reduce the impact on these patients' daily activities.

Optimal Temperature for Radiofrequency Ablation of Lumbar Medial Branches for Treatment of Facet‐Mediated Back Pain

“…This was followed by several studies to establish the efficiency of such technique in management of lumbar facet pain. The effectiveness of RF has been supported by four randomized, prospective controlled trials . They showed that lumbar facet denervation was more effective than sham treatment.…”

Radiofrequency and methylprednisolone in treatment of lower back pain caused by facet joint syndrome: Comparison of the outcomes

“…RF or PRF to the facet intra-articular or dorsal medial division, are used to control the pain stemming from the lumbar facet arthropathy. [ 25 26 27 ] Felix berjemo conducted a study using conventional RF for 80 C0, 90 s, on 86 patients and opened the 1 year follow-up findings to discussion. They found the start-up ODI value as 18.93 in average, and reported lower in the 3 rd month as 8.8; in the 6 th month as 9.66; and in the 12 th month as 12.2.…”

“…The patients were satisfied at a rate of 75.67%, and the back pains were relieved in 66% in 6 months; and 50% in 1 year. [ 27 ] In another study conducted on 81 patients, it was determined that the RF group was more efficient when compared to the control Group. [ 28 ] The PRF, which has been used in more recent times, causes less neuropathic pain because it is a more neuroprotective method than the conventional RF.…”

Can Changes in Vital Signs Be Used to Predict the Response to Lumbar Facet Blocks and Radiofrequency Denervation? A Prospective, Correlational Study

“…[6][7][8] These conflicting findings suggest a strong need to better identify treatment responders. [9][10][11][12][13] The use of "control" injections is frequently advocated to improve RF treatment outcomes, the rationale being that uncontrolled medial branch (facet joint nerve) blocks (MBBs) are associated with a high false-positive rate. 14,15 Numerous researchers and organizations have recommended the use of controlled injections as a means to reduce the high false-positive rate of diagnostic MBB and to improve treatment results.…”