A retrospective single arm cohort study evaluating the efficacy of lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation using a multi-tined probe and perpendicular approach

• DOI: 10.1016/j.inpm.2025.100575
• Publication Date: 2025-04-01T11:16:24Z
• Authors: Omar Rachdi; Andrew Stephens; Amanda N. Cooper; Brook Martin; Robert Burnham; Aaron M. Conger; Zachary L. McCormick; Taylor R. Burnham

Lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation (LMBRFA) is an effective treatment for facet joint pain. LMBRFA efficacy was originally demonstrated using a parallel technique. Newly developed RFA probes (e.g., Trident) allow perpendicular approach (P-LMBRFA), which may simplify the technique and lead to superior success rates. However, further investigation necessary determine whether these technologies are associated with improved patient outcomes. Evaluate effectiveness of P-LMBRFA in patients confirmed In this retrospective single-arm cohort study, electronic medical records were used identify consecutive ≥80 % dual block-confirmed pain relief who underwent first-time between 2016 2022. Primary outcomes ≥50 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) improvement minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on Pain Disability Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (PDQQ) at 3 months post-treatment. Secondary included duration mean percentage after successful index individuals reported return their symptoms. 174 participants (60.3 female, 61.3 ± 14.2 years age, BMI 29.5 6.7 kg/m2) analyzed. Success rates NRS reduction MCID PDQQ 50.6 (95 CI = 43.3-57.9 %) 50.0 42.8-57.2 %), respectively. Of 88 P-LMBRFAs, 60 experienced symptoms 8.7 3.6 81.8 15.8 %. Following P-LMBRFA, approximately 50 disability measures. Extensive, prospective research comparing long-term LMRBFA warranted.