Radiofrequency facet rhizotomy in the treatment of chronic neck and low back pain
Schaerer, J.P.
International Surgery 63(6): 53-59
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-8868 PMID: 155664 Document Number: 125678
The value of radiofrequency facet rhizotomy in the treatment of patients with chronic neck and low back pain problems is assessed on the basis of experience with 117 consecutive patients. Only patients with positive responses to facet blocking with local anesthetic were selected. Overall results in 50 neck procedures were: excellent, 16%; good, 34%; fair, 18%; poor, 28%; and lost to follow-up, 4%. In the 71 lumbar rhizotomies results were: excellent, 15%; good, 20%; fair, 27%; poor, 31%; and lost to follow-up, 7%. Average follow-up time was 13.7 months. We conclude that radiofrequency rhizotomy is a valuable tool in the treatment of chronic neck and low back pain.