An investigation on the effect of improved X-rays-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation denervation on lumbar facet joint syndrome

• Using the DSA radiation tube could help to improve positioning of denervation.
• Improved denervation was effective than lumbar facet joint injection at 6 months.
• Improved X-rays-guided denervation is an effective, minimally invasive method.

ObjectivesThis study aims to observe the clinical efficacy and feasibility of improved X-rays-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation denervation for treating low back pain secondary to lumbar facet joint syndrome (LFJS).Patients and methodsEighty LFJS patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the denervation group (n = 40), treated with percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation denervation on the lumbar facet joint, and the control group (n = 40), injected with betamethasone and lidocaine into the lumbar facet joint. All patients underwent pain scoring using the visual analogous scale (VAS) before treatment, and again at 30 min, 1 d, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after treatment. The Schober index was also evaluated at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after treatment. The efficacy and adverse effects were also recorded.ResultsThe denervation group had significantly lower VAS scores at each time point than before treatment (P < 0.01). The VAS scores in the control group at 30 min, 1 d, 1 week, and 1 month after treatment were also significantly lower, but they returned to the pre-treatment level at 6 months after treatment. The VAS scores in the denervation group were significantly lower than that in the control group at 1 month and at 6 months after treatment (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), whereas the Schober index was significantly higher (P < 0.01). Moreover, the excellent to good efficacy rate in the denervation group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.01). The patients in both treatments had no side effects.ConclusionsImproved X-rays-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation denervation is an effective, minimally invasive and convenient method for treating low back pain secondary to lumbar facet syndrome.