title: Effectiveness of Repeated Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Facet joint Syndrome after Microscopic Discectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Postoperative facet joint syndrome requiring radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) is a relatively common problem following microscopic discectomy. However, the efficacy of repeated RFN after microscopic discectomy has not been clearly documented. The purpose of this study was to determine the success rate and symptom-free duration of repeated RFN for facet joint syndrome after microscopic discectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records from 56 patients, who had undergone successful initial RFN following microscopic discectomy, experienced recurrence of pain, and subsequently had repeated RFN, were reviewed and evaluated. Responses of repeated RFN were compared with initial radiofrequency neurotomy for success rates and duration of relief. The criterion for RFN to be successful was defined as greater than 50% relief from pain and sufficient satisfaction of patients with prior RFN to have repeated RFN.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-six patients (41 women and 15 men; mean age=48 years) had repeated RFNs, which were successful in all except three patients. RFN denervated three bilateral segments (L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1) in all patients. Mean duration of relief after initial RFN was 9.2 months (range 3-14). The mean duration of relief after secondary RFN in 53 patients was 9.0 months (range 4-14). The success rates and duration of relief remained consistent after subsequent RFNs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Repeated RFN for lumbar facet joint pain after microscopic discectomy is an effective palliative treatment. It provided a mean duration of relief of 9.0 months and >94% success rate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Myung Hoon
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Seok Won
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Chang Il
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Ju
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Ki Hwan
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Chae
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Dong Min
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Discectomy; Facet syndrome; Neurotomy; Radiofrequency