A Novel Modality for Facet Joint Denervation: Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation for XXXX . A Case Series.

@entity2649 @entity1 @entity1286 @entity158
BACKGROUND: While cooled radiofrequency ablation (C-RFA) appears to be a promising technology for joint denervation, outcomes of this technique for the treatment of @entity2649 have not been described. We report clinical outcomes in a case series of @entity1 treated with C-RFA for @entity2649 . METHODS: Consecutive @entity1 aged 18-60 years diagnosed with @entity2649 , confirmed by >= 75% symptom relief with at least one set of diagnostic medial branch nerve blocks, who underwent C-RFA between January 2007 and December 2013 in an urban @entity158 center were included. The respective proportions of @entity1 who reported >= 50% improvement in @entity158 and in function were calculated. Change in median NRS score, daily @entity1286 equivalent consumption (DME), and medication quantification scale III (MQS III) score were measured. RESULTS: Twelve @entity1 underwent C-RFA; three were lost to follow-up. The median and 25%-75% interquartile range (IQR) for age was 44 years (35, 54). The median duration of follow-up was 34 months, IQR (21, 55). The percentage and 95% confidence interval (CI) of @entity1 who reported >= 50% improvement in @entity158 was 33% CI (12%, 64%) and in function was 78%, CI (41%, 96%). There was no significant change in DME or MSQ III score. Approximately 50% of @entity1 sought additional healthcare by long-term follow-up. No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This case series suggests that C-RFA may improve function and to a @entity158 at long-term follow-up. A randomized, controlled trial is warranted.
