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Factors predicting success and failure for cervical facet radiofrequency denervation: a multi-center analysis. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2007;32(6):495-503

Date

11/24/2007

Pubmed ID

18035295

DOI

10.1016/j.rapm.2007.05.009

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-36148955446 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   100 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The concept of radiofrequency denervation has recently come under question in light of several studies showing minimal to no benefit. One possibility proposed for these negative outcomes is poor selection criteria. Unlike virtually all other spine interventions, the factors associated with success and failure for cervical facet denervation have yet to be determined. The purpose of this study is to determine which demographic, clinical and treatment factors are associated with cervical facet radiofrequency denervation outcomes.

METHODS: Data were garnered from 3 academic medical centers on 92 patients with chronic neck pain who underwent radiofrequency denervation after a positive response to diagnostic local anesthetic blocks. Success was defined as at least 50% pain relief lasting at least 6 months. Variables evaluated for their association with outcome included age, sex, duration of pain, opioid use, pain referral pattern, paraspinal tenderness, pain exacerbated by extension/rotation, magnetic resonance image abnormalities, diabetes, smoking, scoliosis, obesity, prior surgery, and levels treated.

RESULTS: The only clinical variable associated with success was paraspinal tenderness. Factors associated with treatment failure included radiation to the head, opioid use, and pain exacerbated by neck extension and/or rotation.

CONCLUSIONS: Selecting patients based on key clinical variables may increase the chance of treatment success for cervical facet radiofrequency denervation.

Author List

Cohen SP, Bajwa ZH, Kraemer JJ, Dragovich A, Williams KA, Stream J, Sireci A, McKnight G, Hurley RW

Author

Robert W. Hurley MD, PhD Adjunct Professor of Anesthesiology and CTSI in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Aged
Cervical Vertebrae
Data Interpretation, Statistical
Denervation
Female
Forecasting
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Middle Aged
Neck Pain
Nerve Block
Radiosurgery
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Treatment Outcome
Zygapophyseal Joint