[Percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy of lumbar medial branch (facet rhizotomy)--a report of 6 cases].
We performed radiofrequency neurotomy of lumbar medial branch as a treatment of facet syndrome. Our six cases had no indication for surgical therapy, such as neuralgia, spinal canal stenosis without neurological deficit except for pain and deformed spines. Facet joint injection with regional anesthetics and steroids could not prevent their recurrent back pain. By facet rhizotomy, they could obtain relief of back pain for several months to a year. We conclude that facet rhizotomy is a more effective method for facet syndrome when a proper indication is present.
Yamagami
H
H
Department of Anesthesiology, Nara Medical University.
Hashizume
K
K
Nakahashi
K
K
Okuda
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D003714:Denervation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011846:Radio Waves; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots