Facet Median Branch Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation Treatment at Different Temperatures and Durations in Patients with Lumbar Facet Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Study.

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of various temperatures and durations of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) for the treatment of low back pain that is caused by facet joints. This is a randomized controlled, double-blind study. Patients diagnosed with facet syndrome were randomly divided into three groups. RFT was applied to the medial branches, which received senses from the facet joint 90°C 50 seconds in 31 patients, 85°C 60 seconds in 32 patients, 70°C 90 seconds in 33 patients at constant current and impedance values. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores before and after the treatment (1 and 6 months), the need for additional analgesics after treatment, and opioid dose changes were recorded. The demographic data of the groups were similar. NRS scores in all three groups were significantly lower at 1 and 6 months (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). At the first and sixth months, there was no significant difference between the groups in patients who experienced a 50% reduction in pain intensity (p=0.1, p=0.7, respectively). Patients who had back surgery had a significantly lower rate of pain regression (p=0.001). In patients with lumbar facet syndrome, RFT application in every 3 degrees and seconds is effective because it generates equal energy, and there was no significant difference in pain relief between the groups.