A prospective outcome study on the effects of facet joint radiofrequency denervation on pain, analgesic intake, disability, satisfaction, cost, and employment.

Abstract

To assess the effect of radiofrequency denervation (RFD) on patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) of facet joint origin. Prospective cohort study. Interventional pain management program. Consecutive subjects (N=44; 101 facet joints) over 2 years with chronic refractory mechanical LBP of facet origin established by 2 local anesthetic blocks (medial branch +/- intra-articular) resulting in more than 50% pain relief. RFD of the symptomatic lumbar facet joints. Self-reported pain intensity, frequency, bothersomeness, analgesic intake, satisfaction, disability, back pain-related costs, and employment twice prior to and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-RFD. Post-RFD, significant improvements in pain, analgesic requirement, satisfaction, disability, and direct costs occurred. They peaked at 3 to 6 months and gradually diminished thereafter. Satisfaction with medical care and living with current symptoms improved similarly. Overall, satisfaction with the RFD procedure was high, and no complications were reported. RFD provides safe and significant short-term improvement in pain, analgesic requirements, function, satisfaction, and direct costs in patients with chronic LBP of facet origin.