J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2006 Aug;40(2):95-98.

Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Remnant Pain after Vertebroplasty as the Treatment of Severe Compression Fracture

• Kim SY
• Kim SW

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency neurotomy(RFN) for remnant pain after vertebroplasty for the treatment of severe compression fracture.
METHODS
25 patients with remnant pain after vertebroplasty for one level severe compression fracture were treated by RFN. The severe compression fractures were defined to the vertebrae which less than 50% of their original heights have collapsed. Pain relief was evaluated at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months after the procedure using a visual analog scale(VAS).
RESULTS
Successful outcome was determined if pain reduction exceeded 50% on the VAS at 6 weeks. Six of the 25 patients did not respond favorably to RFN (pain reduction less than 50%), and nineteen patients showed successful responses. Mean VAS score was decreased from 5.48 to 2.96 at 6 weeks.
CONCLUSION
The radiofrequency neurotomy may be both feasible and useful treatment for the remnant pain after vertebroplasty. However long-term follow up is needed to confirm the effectiveness.

Keyword

Severe compression fracture; Vertebroplasty; Remnant pain; Radiofrequency neurotomy

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Fractures, Compression*
Humans
Spine
Vertebroplasty*