Medial Branch Blocks or Intra-Articular Injections as a Prognostic Tool Before Lumbar Facet Radiofrequency Denervation

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 376-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven P. Cohen ◽  
Jee Youn Moon ◽  
Chad M. Brummett ◽  
Ronald L. White ◽  
Thomas M. Larkin
Keyword(s):  
Medial Branch ◽  
Prognostic Tool ◽  
Radiofrequency Denervation ◽  
Lumbar Facet

scholarly journals Best practice in radiofrequency denervation of the lumbar facet joints: a consensus technique

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Eldabe ◽  
Anisah Tariq ◽  
Sherdil Nath ◽  
Ashish Gulve ◽  
Hugh Antrobus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Medial Branch ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Facet Joints ◽  
Radiofrequency Denervation ◽  
Lumbar Facet ◽  
Lumbar Facet Joints

Background: Radiofrequency denervation is used to treat selected people with low back pain. Recent trials have been criticised for using a sub-optimal intervention technique. Objectives: To achieve consensus on a best practice technique for administering radiofrequency denervation of the lumbar facet joints to selected people with low back pain. Study design: A consensus of expert professionals in the area of radiofrequency denervation of the lumbar facet joints. Methods: We invited a clinical member from the 30 most active UK departments in radiofrequency pain procedures and two overseas clinicians with specific expertise to a 1 day consensus meeting. Drawing on the known anatomy of the medial branch, the theoretical basis of radiofrequency procedures, a survey of current practice and collective expertise, delegates were facilitated to reach consensus on the best practice technique. Results: The day was attended by 24 UK and international clinical experts. Attendees agreed a best practice technique for the conduct of radiofrequency denervation of the lumbar facet joints. Limitations: This consensus was based on a 1 day meeting of 24 clinical experts who attended and took part in the discussions. The agreed technique has not been subject to input from a wider community of experts. Conclusions: Current best practice for radiofrequency denervation has been agreed for use in a UK trial. Group members intend immediate implementation in their respective trusts. We propose using this in a planned Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of radiofrequency denervation for selected people with low back pain.

Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Lumbar Zygapophysial (Facet) Joint Pain

2007 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 591-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven P. Cohen ◽  
Srinivasa N. Raja
Keyword(s):  
Joint Pain ◽  
Facet Joint ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Medial Branch ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Zygapophysial Joint ◽  
Radiofrequency Denervation ◽  
Facet Joint Pain ◽  
Lumbar Facet

Lumbar zygapophysial joint arthropathy is a challenging condition affecting up to 15% of patients with chronic low back pain. The onset of lumbar facet joint pain is usually insidious, with predisposing factors including spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc pathology, and old age. Despite previous reports of a "facet syndrome," the existing literature does not support the use of historic or physical examination findings to diagnose lumbar zygapophysial joint pain. The most accepted method for diagnosing pain arising from the lumbar facet joints is with low-volume intraarticular or medial branch blocks, both of which are associated with high false-positive rates. Standard treatment modalities for lumbar zygapophysial joint pain include intraarticular steroid injections and radiofrequency denervation of the medial branches innervating the joints, but the evidence supporting both of these is conflicting. In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive review of the anatomy, biomechanics, and function of the lumbar zygapophysial joints, along with a systematic analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of facet joint pain.

scholarly journals Randomized prospective trial of cooled versus traditional radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch nerves for the treatment of lumbar facet joint pain

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 389-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary L McCormick ◽  
Heejung Choi ◽  
Rajiv Reddy ◽  
Raafay H Syed ◽  
Meghan Bhave ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Joint Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Facet Joint ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Medial Branch ◽  
Lumbar Facet Joint ◽  
Facet Joint Pain ◽  
Lumbar Facet

Background and objectivesNo previous study has assessed the outcomes of cooled radiofrequency ablation (C-RFA) of the medial branch nerves (MBN) for the treatment of lumbar facet joint pain nor compared its effectiveness with traditional RFA (T-RFA). This study evaluated 6-month outcomes for pain, function, psychometrics, and medication usage in patients who underwent MBN C-RFA versus T-RFA for lumbar Z-joint pain.MethodsIn this blinded, prospective trial, patients with positive diagnostic MBN blocks (>75% relief) were randomized to MBN C-RFA or T-RFA. The primary outcome was the proportion of ‘responders’ (≥50% Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) reduction) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included NRS, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Patient Global Impression of Change.ResultsForty-three participants were randomized to MBN C-RFA (n=21) or T-RFA (n=22). There were no significant differences in demographic variables (p>0.05). A ≥50% NRS reduction was observed in 52% (95% CI 31% to 74%) and 44% (95% CI 22% to 69%) of participants in the C-RFA and T-RFA groups, respectively (p=0.75). A ≥15-point or ≥30% reduction in ODI score was observed in 62% (95% CI 38% to 82%) and 44% (95% CI 22% to 69%) of participants in the C-RFA and T-RFA groups, respectively (p=0.21).ConclusionsWhen using a single diagnostic block paradigm with a threshold of >75% pain reduction, both treatment with both C-RFA and T-RFA resulted in a success rate of approximately 50% when defined by both improvement in pain and physical function at 6-month follow-up. While the success rate was higher in the C-RFA group, this difference was not statistically significant.Trial registration numberNCT02478437.

Lumbar Facet Nerve Block: Ultrasound

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Provenzano
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Block ◽  
Iliac Crest ◽  
Medial Branch ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Detailed Understanding ◽  
Medial Branch Block ◽  
Body Mass Indexes ◽  
Lumbar Facet ◽  
Correct Level ◽  
The Ideal

This chapter describes the relevant anatomy and sonoanatomy and the ultrasound-guided technique for lumbar medial branch blocks. The ultrasound-guided lumbar medial branch block is an intermediate level block. Prior to performing this block, it is important to have a detailed understanding of lumbar sonoanatomy in order to be able to target the correct level, the lumbar medial branch and the L5 dorsal ramus zones. In those individuals with body mass indexes in the ideal range, current studies suggest the L3 and L4 medial branches can be successfully targeted. The L5 dorsal ramus may be challenging secondary to the iliac crest, which may limit the ultrasound views needed for the target zone. Further technical and equipment advancements are needed to improve and reduce the existing limitations associated with the ultrasound-guided lumbar medial branch block technique.

Ultrasound-guided Lumbar Facet Nerve Block

2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (5) ◽  
pp. 1242-1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred Greher ◽  
Gisela Scharbert ◽  
Lars P. Kamolz ◽  
Harald Beck ◽  
Burkhard Gustorff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Nerve Block ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Target Point ◽  
Medial Branch ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Cross Axis ◽  
Lumbar Facet ◽  
Axis View

Background Lumbar facet nerve (medial branch) block for pain relief in facet syndrome is currently performed under fluoroscopic or computed tomography scan guidance. In this three-part study, the authors developed a new ultrasound-guided methodology, described the necessary landmarks and views, assessed ultrasound-derived distances, and tested the clinical feasibility. Methods (1) A paravertebral cross-axis view and long-axis view were defined under high-resolution ultrasound (15 MHz). Three needles were guided to the target point at L3-L5 in a fresh, nonembalmed cadaver under ultrasound (2-6 MHz) and were subsequently traced by means of dissection. (2) The lumbar regions of 20 volunteers (9 women, 11 men; median age, 36 yr [23-67 yr]; median body mass index, 23 kg/m2 [19-36 kg/m2]) were studied with ultrasound (3.5 MHz) to assess visibility of landmarks and relevant distances at L3-L5 in a total of 240 views. (3) Twenty-eight ultrasound-guided blocks were performed in five patients (two women, three men; median age, 51 yr [31-68 yr]) and controlled under fluoroscopy. Results In the cadaver, needle positions were correct as revealed by dissection at all three levels. In the volunteers, ultrasound landmarks were delineated as good in 19 and of sufficient quality in one (body mass index, 36 kg/m2). Skin-target distances increased from L3 to L5, reaching statistical significance (*, **P < 0.05) between these levels on both sides: L3r, 45+/-6 mm*; L4r, 48+/-7 mm; L5r, 50+/-6 mm*; L3l, 44+/-5 mm**; L4l, 47+/-6 mm; L5l, 50+/-6 mm**. In patients, 25 of 28 ultrasound-guided needles were placed accurately, with the remaining three closer than 5 mm to the radiologically defined target point. Conclusion Ultrasound guidance seems to be a promising new technique with clinical relevance and the potential to increase practicability while avoiding radiation in lumbar facet nerve block.

Posterior Branches of Lumbar Spinal Nerves – part II: Lumbar Facet Syndrome – Pathomechanism, Symptomatology and Diagnostic Work-up

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Kozera ◽  
Bogdan Ciszek ◽  
Paweł Szaro
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Facet Joint ◽  
Medial Branch ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Spinal Nerves ◽  
Lower Lumbar Spine ◽  
Facet Syndrome ◽  
Lumbar Spinal ◽  
Lumbar Facet

Posterior branches of the lumbar spinal nerves are the anatomic substrate of pain in the lower back, sacrum and the gluteal area. Such pain may be associated with various pathologies which cause pain in the posterior branches of the lumbar spinal nerves due to entrapment, mechanical irritation or inflammatory reaction and/or degeneration. The posterior branches are of significant functional importance, which is related to the function of the structures they supply, including facet joints, which are the basic biomechanical units of the spine. Low back pain caused by facet joint pathology may be triggered e.g. by simple activities, such as body rotations, unnatural positions, lifting heavy weights or excessive bending as well as chronic overloading with spinal hyperextension. Pain usually presents at the level of the lumbosacral junction (L 5 -S 1 ) and in the lower lumbar spine (L 4-5 , L 3-4 ). In the absence of specific diagnostic criteria, it is only possible to conclude that patients display tenderness at the level of the affected facet joint and that the pain is triggered by extension. Differential diagnosis for low back pain is difficult, since the pain may originate from various structures. The most reliable method of identifying Lumbar Facet Syndrome has been found to be a positive response to an analgesic procedure in the form of a block of the medial branch or intraarticular injection. There appear to be good grounds for conducting further studies and developing unequivocal diagnostic tests.

Complications of Lumbar Facet Radiofrequency Denervation

Spine ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 1352-1354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Kornick ◽  
S Scott Kramarich ◽  
Tim J. Lamer ◽  
B Todd Sitzman
Keyword(s):  
Radiofrequency Denervation ◽  
Lumbar Facet
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