Effectiveness of repeated radiofrequency neurotomy for cervical facet joint pain.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the success rate and duration of relief of repeat radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) for cervical facet joint pain.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

RFN is an effective but temporary management of cervical facet pain. When pain recurs, RFN is usually repeated, but the outcomes for repeat RFN are not well established.

METHODS

Record review of consecutive patients who had an initial successful RFN, recurrence of pain, and then one or more repeat RFN. Responses of repeat RFN were compared with initial RFN for success rates and duration of relief. Success was defined as >/=50% relief of targeted pain and patient sufficiently satisfied with prior RFN to have RFN repeated.

RESULTS

There were 14 women and 8 men. Mean age was 47 years (range, 34 to 66 y). Sixty-four RFNs were performed. Mean duration of relief after initial RFN was 12.5 months (range, 3 to 25 mo). Forty-two RFNs were performed after the initial RFN. Forty-one of the 42 RFNs were available to follow-up (98%). Thirty-nine of the 41 RFNs were successful (95%). To date, 11 patients had a series of 2 RFNs performed, 7 had 3, 2 had 4, 1 had 6, and 1 had 7. Twenty-two patients had a second RFN, which was successful in 20 of the 21 available to follow-up (95%) but unsuccessful in 1 (5%). The mean duration of relief in these patients was 12.7 months (range, 3 to 30 mo) and the relief is continuing in 2 patients. Eleven patients had a third RFN, of which 10 (91%) were successful and 1 (9%) was unsuccessful. The mean duration of relief in 8 patients was 9.5 months (range, 3 to 16 mo), and the relief is continuing in the other 2. Four patients had a fourth RFN, which was successful in all 4. The mean duration of relief was 8.75 months (range, 4 to 12 mo). Two patients had a fifth RFN with both having a mean duration of relief of 9 months (11 and 7 mo, respectively). There were 2 patients with a sixth RFN, both were successful, 1 lasted 18 months and in the other relief is continuing. There was 1 patient with a successful seventh RFN, and relief is continuing. The frequency of success and durations of relief remained consistent after each subsequent RFN.

CONCLUSIONS

In a carefully selected group of patients with cervical facet joint pain who have been responsive to previous RFN, repeat RFNs are usually successful.