Facet Median Branch Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation Treatment at Different Temperatures and Durations in Patients with Lumbar Facet Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Study

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the effect of various temperatures and durations of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) for the treatment of low back pain that is caused by facet joints. MATERIAL and METHODS: This is a randomized controlled, double-blind study. Patients diagnosed with facet syndrome were randomly divided into three groups. RFT was applied to the medial branches, which received senses from the facet joint 90°C 50 seconds in 31 patients, 85°C 60 seconds in 32 patients, 70°C 90 seconds in 33 patients at constant current and impedance values. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores before and after the treatment (1 and 6 months), the need for additional analgesics after treatment, and opioid dose changes were recorded. RESULTS: The demographic data of the groups were similar. NRS scores in all three groups were significantly lower at 1 and 6 months (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). At the first and sixth months, there was no significant difference between the groups in patients who experienced a 50% reduction in pain intensity (p=0.1, p=0.7, respectively). Patients who had back surgery had a significantly lower rate of pain regression (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with lumbar facet syndrome, RFT application in every 3 degrees and seconds is effective because it generates equal energy, and there was no significant difference in pain relief between the groups.