Pulsed radiofrequency of cervical medial branches for treatment of whiplash-related cervical zygapophysial joint pain.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of pulsed RF lesioning of cervical medial branches in patients with whiplash-related chronic cervical zygapophysial joint pain in whom other conservative treatments failed.


METHODS
Cervical zygapophysial joint pain was confirmed in 14 patients undergoing double diagnostic blocks. These patients underwent pulsed RF lesioning of the cervical medial branches. Pulsed RF procedures were performed in 2 cycles of 180 seconds after localization under fluoroscopy guide.


RESULTS
Twelve (85.7%) patients had substantial pain relief at 1 month. Eleven (78.3%) patients still had more than 60% pain relief at 6 months. Only 5 (35.7%) patients recurred within 12 months. At 12-month follow-up, 9 (64.3%) patients had significant pain improvement. Medication requirements decreased in 13 (92.8%) patients at 1 month, 12 (85.7%) patients at 6 months, and 10 (71.4%) patients at 12 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Pulsed RF of cervical medial branches is a potential treatment for patients with chronic whiplash-related cervical zygapophysial joint pain that failed other conservative treatments. This treatment provides long-lasting pain relief and reduces pain medication requirements.
Liliang
Po-Chou
PC
Department of Neurosurgery, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 82445.
Lu
Kang
K
Hsieh
Ching-Hua
CH
Kao
Chia-Yi
CY
Wang
Kuo-Wei
KW
Chen
Han-Jung
HJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D018401:Sample Size; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult; D021801:Zygapophyseal Joint