Abstract
Percutaneous radiofrequency facet joint denervation (RFJD) has been used increasingly since being described by Shealy1 for the non-surgical treatment of chronic low back pain. Extensive literature exists on this technique with a number of randomised control studies suggesting efficacy against Placebo2,3. However, the efficacy and reliability of repeat RFJD for chronic back pain is unknown.
A prospective study was carried out on a consecutive series of 57 patients undergoing repeat lumbar RFJD between 2004 & 2006. 57 consecutive patients treated by the senior author (OLO) between April 2004–June 2006 were included in a prospective analysis using a visual analogue score (VAS) and the low back outcome score (LBOS).
All 57 participants completed a telephone questionnaire at follow up. There were no complications. At a median average follow up of 14 months overall, clinical outcomes demonstrated moderate improvement in the majority of patients with poor rating at LBOS decreasing from 54.3% pre- to 40.3% post-RFJD. The overall degree of satisfaction was 77.2%. The overall median duration of pain relief was 10 months.
Our study suggests that repeat RFJD appears to have reliable and satisfactory results when repeated with most patients reporting a high degree of satisfaction and with the clinical outcome similar to the initial procedure.
Correspondence should be addressed to David Haynes, PhD, Senior Lecturer, President ANZORS, at Discipline of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
