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Neuroradiology
Published in: Neuroradiology 7/2012

01-07-2012 | Interventional Neuroradiology

Medial branch neurotomy in low back pain

Authors: Salvatore Masala, Giovanni Nano, Matteo Mammucari, Stefano Marcia, Giovanni Simonetti

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 7/2012

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Abstract

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency medial branch dorsal ramus neurotomy in patients with facet joint syndrome.

Methods

From January 2008 to April 2010, 92 patients with facet joint syndrome diagnosed by strict inclusion criteria and controlled diagnostic blocks undergone medial branch neurotomy. We did not exclude patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Electrodes (20G) with 5-mm active tip were placed under fluoroscopy guide parallel to medial branch. Patients were followed up by physical examination and by Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index at 1, 6, and 12 months.

Results

In all cases, pain improvement was statistically significant and so quality of life. Three non-FBSS patients had to undergo a second neurotomy because of non-satisfactory pain decrease. Complications were reported in no case.

Conclusions

Medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy has confirmed its well-established effectiveness in pain and quality of life improvement as long as strict inclusion criteria be fulfilled and nerve ablation be accomplished by parallel electrode positioning. This statement can be extended also to FBSS patients.
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Metadata
Title
Medial branch neurotomy in low back pain
Authors
Salvatore Masala
Giovanni Nano
Matteo Mammucari
Stefano Marcia
Giovanni Simonetti
Publication date
01-07-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Neuroradiology / Issue 7/2012
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-011-0968-6

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Letter to the Editor

Answers to letter regarding our paper, “Medial branch neurotomy in low back pain” by Dr. S. Masala et al.