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INITIAL RESULTS OF RADIOFREQUENCY MEDIAL BRANCH NEUROTOMY FOR CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN DUE TO LUMBAR FACET JOINT PATHOLOGY AT E HOSPITAL
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch innervating the facet joints in the treatment of chronic low back pain. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with chronic low back pain due to facet joint pathology at the Department of Spine Surgery, E Hospital, from December 2024. All patients underwent medial branch radiofrequency ablation under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and spinal function was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before the intervention, and at 1 month and 3 months post-procedure. Adverse events and related clinical characteristics were recorded. Results: A total of 14 patients were enrolled in the study. VAS scores significantly decreased after the intervention, and the analgesic effect was maintained at 1 month and 3 months follow-up visits. ODI scores showed marked improvement compared with baseline, indicating restored spinal function. The procedure was safe, with no complications observed. Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch is a safe and effective treatment for chronic low back pain due to facet joint degeneration. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these results.
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Keywords
Chronic low back pain; Facet joint; Medial branch; Radiofrequency ablation.
References
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