The effectiveness of thoracic medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy using a three-tined electrode: A single-arm, retrospective cohort study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.inpm.2025.100563
• Publication Date: 2025-03-01T06:36:55Z
• Authors: Hasan Sen; Amanda Cooper; Andrew Stephens; Brook Martin; Robert S. Burnham; Aaron Conger; Zachary L. McCormick; Taylor R. Burnham
• Keywords: Neurotomy

Thoracic medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy (TMBRFN) is used to treat chronic thoracic facet joint pain, but research on its technique and effectiveness still needed. The current International Pain Spine Intervention Society Practice Guidelines do not describe a for TMBRFN. Evaluate the of TMBRFN in patients with pain. Single-arm, retrospective cohort study consecutive from two Canadian musculoskeletal pain management clinics who underwent first-time between 2016 2022. primary outcome was proportion ≥50 % reduction numerical rating scale (NRS) score at 3-months post-procedure. Secondary outcomes included achieved ≥17-point Disability Quality-Of-Life Questionnaire-Spine (PDQQ-S) 3-months, as well mean patient-reported percentage relief duration after successful index individuals reported return their symptoms. 18 (50.0 male; age 60.9 ± 15.3 years; BMI 30.3 6.9 kg/m2) were analyzed. At 3 months post-procedure, 10 (55.6 [95%CI 33.7-75.4]) NRS 9 29.0-71.0]) PDQQ-S reduction. Of treatment responses, 4 had symptoms an average 9.3 2.2 70.0 34.6 %. Within this cohort, approximately 60 experienced improvement disability following Among whose returned treatment, 70 close months. Larger, prospective studies long-term are needed better elucidate safety