Retrospective Evaluation of the Short and Long Term Effectiveness of Conventional Radiofrequency Performed for Medial Branch Neurotomy in Patients with Lumbar Facet Joint Pain

Abstract

Objective: Intraarticular injections with corticosteroid or medial branch block are traditionally used prevalently in the management of chronic back pain due to lumbar facet joints. However, the evidence levels of these procedures are either at a low or medium level. Radiofrequency neurolysis of the lumbar medial branch can be used as an alternative in the management of lumbar facet joint pain. In this study, our aim retrospective analysed efficiency of conventional radiofrequency in patients with lumbar facet joint pain for medial branch neurotomy in both short and long term. Material and Methods: Patients’ files (n=51) were screened whose administreted conventional radiofrequency. Pre-op and post-op 1st, 3rd, 6th month and 1st, 2nd year visual analog scale (VAS) values of all patients were asked, recorded, and statistically compared. VAS values of the groups in the same months were compared as well. At the end of the second year, Odom criteria of patients were recorded. Results: Pre-operation VAS values and post-operation 1st, 3rd, 6th month and 1st, 2nd year VAS values were compared in patients, and there was a statistically significant difference between pre-operation VAS values and post-operation 1st, 3rd, 6th month and 1st, 2nd year VAS values in patients. Odom criteria patients at the end of the second year, it was observed that the patients were more satisfied with the treatment. Conclusion: Conventional radiofrequency in patients with lumbar facet joint pain for medial branch neurotomy statistically significant decreases VAS values in both short and long term.