Do stabilization exercises increase the effects of lumbar facet radiofrequency denervation?

Clinical predictors of success and failure for lumbar facet radiofrequency denervation.

OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical factors associated with the success and failure of radiofrequency denervation of the lumbar facet joints. METHODS Clinical data were garnered from 3 academic medical centers on 192 patients with low back pain who underwent radiofrequency denervation after a positive response to diagnostic blocks. Success was defined as >/=50% pain relief lasting at least 6 ...

Diagnostic medial branch blocks before lumbar radiofrequency zygapophysial (facet) joint denervation: benefit or burden?

DEGENERATIVE changes of the zygapophysial joints (facet joints) account for approximately 10–15% of the cases with chronic low back pain. Radiofrequency ablation of the medial branches of the dorsal rami is a frequently performed procedure to treat pain originating from the facet joints. The success of radiofrequency facet denervation is highly dependent on patient selection. Diagnostic blocks ...

The surgical anatomy of lumbar medial branch neurotomy (facet denervation).

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the validity of placing electrodes parallel to the target nerve in lumbar radiofrequency neurotomy. DESIGN Previous data on the anatomy of the lumbar dorsal rami were reviewed and a demonstration cadaver was prepared. Under direct vision, electrodes were placed on, and parallel to, the L4 medial branch and the L5 dorsal ramus. Photographs were taken to record the plac...

Radiographic changes induced after cervical facet radiofrequency denervation.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Paraspinal infections after zygapophyseal (facet) radiofrequency denervation (RFD) are a serious but rare complication of this procedure. We are aware of only one case report of an epidural abscess after facet joint injection. PURPOSE To report post-procedure inflammatory changes after cervical facet RFD. STUDY DESIGN Case report. PATIENT SAMPLE A 35-year-old Caucasian ...

luMbAR stAbIlIzAtIon exeRCIses AnD seleCteD exeRCIse pRogRAMs