Radiofrequency denervation of the facet joints in chronic low back pain-a short review

Low back pain is the most common pain syndrome and a global health burden. The etiology in most cases is multifactorial and the facet joints can be a source of low back pain. Radiofrequency denervation showed efficacy in open as well as in placebocontrolled trials and could be a treatment option in carefully selected patients. In this review the anatomy of the facet joints, the pathophysiology and diagnosis of facet joint syndrome in chronic low back pain and results of radiofrequency denevervation are discussed, with emphasize on the recently published literature.