Thermal radiofrequency in the relief of low back pain of facet joint origin. Result of a case series
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18041/2665-427X/ijeph.2.5434Keywords:
Radiofrequency, low back pain, medial branches, chronic pain, blockageAbstract
Background: Low back pain is the most common causes of medical consultation, being responsible for 10-15% of labor incapacity. In Colombia is third cause of consultation in the hospital emergency department, the leading cause of job relocation and second cause of disability pensions. The importance of evaluating the effectiveness of different therapeutic measures is important; how radio-frequency to relief of pain.
Objective: To describe clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary data of the medial branches thermal radiofrequency in the relief of low back pain of facet origin.
Methods: Was a cross-sectional study from a cohort of patients with lumbar facet pain. Subject was treatment with thermal radiofrequency. The first control was taken from the first month, then every three months up to a year after treatment. A procedure was considered successful when there was a reduction in pain of 50% or more.
Results: The procedure was success in 80% of patients at the first month; the success of the procedure was progressively decreasing over time; 3 months (70%), 6 (61%), 9 (44%), and 12 (diminish to 25%). It was reported as an adverse effect an initial increase of pain in a patient and other patients with the sensation of diminished of the leg strength that disappeared during the first week.
Conclusions: The thermal radiofrequency of the medial branches reduce chronic low back pain of facet origin. The improvement gradually decreases. The low incidence of side effects and radiofrequency complications justify its use.
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