Korean J Pain.  2010 Jun;23(2):137-141. 10.3344/kjp.2010.23.2.137.

Comprasion of Effectiveness of CT vs C-arm Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Lumbar Facet Rhizotomy

• Park CH

• KMID: 1770546
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2010.23.2.137

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Facet joint have been implicated as a source of chronic low back pain. Radiofrequency denervation has demonstrated the most solid evidence. To increase safety and efficacy of treatment, computed tomography (CT) guidance injection has been used in several disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of CT-guided radiofrequency rhizotomy in the treatment of facet joint pain.
METHODS
A total of 40 patients were randomized to undergo radiofrequency facet joint denervation under CT guidance or C-arm guidance. All patients were examined visual analogue scale (VAS) score before treatment, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment.
RESULTS
The VAS in both groups showed significant improvement over the 1-month interval. No significant difference in the VAS score among the group was observed.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study there was no significant difference between CT guidance lumbar rhizotomy and C-arm guidance lumbar rhizotomy. Therefore CT-guided radiofrequency denervation of the lumbar facet joint was a minimally invasive technique that appears effective.

Keyword

computed tomography; low back pain; lumbar facet joint; radiofrequency rhizotomy

MeSH Terms

Denervation
Humans
Low Back Pain
Rhizotomy
Zygapophyseal Joint

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Radiofrequency electrode is placed in at the angle between the superior articular process and the transverse process of the 3th (A) and 4th (B) lumbar vertebra.

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  Fig. 2 Initial scout image shows the superior articular process and transverse process. The distance tool is used to calculate an appropriate skin entry site.

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  Fig. 3 Image from CT fluoroscopic guidance rhizotomy demonstrates the radiofrequency cannular tip in the junction of superior articular process and transverse process.

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