title: Pulsed radiofrequency of cervical medial branches for treatment of whiplash-related cervical zygapophysial joint pain.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 82445.
authors.forename: Po-Chou
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Liliang
authors.forename: Kang
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Ching-Hua
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Chia-Yi
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Kao
authors.forename: Kuo-Wei
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Han-Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: 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