Role of Radiofrequency in Management of Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain (LBP) affects about 45% of the population, it is treated conservatively, and if failed, we use invasive methods, as radiofrequency neurotomy (RF). Objective: to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and outcome of RF in patients with chronic LBP. Patients and Methods: This prospective study included patients with chronic LBP lasting ≥3 months. We performed RF to the included participant, moreover, we assessed the chronic LBP by visual analogue score, the improvement of the daily activities, and the safety immediately after the procedure, after one week, after one month and after three months. Results: We included 40 patients with chronic LBP not responding to medical treatment. The average age was 58.28 ±7.2, 13 of them were male. The L4-L5-S1 levels were the most affected (67.5%). The pain score reduced from 8 before the operation to 3 after three months follow up p-value < 0.001. Regarding to Daily living activities, after 3 months the number of patients with normal daily activities was 50 %, and the number of supported patients still only 3 patients p-value < 0.001. Conclusion: RF showed promising results in the management of chronic LBP, it has advantages regarding the long term follow up.