Abstract

Aim: Cervical radiofrequency ablation neurotomy is a relative novel radiofrequency system for the treatment of chronic cervical pain due to degenerative arthritis. It aims to denervate the cervical facets. We present the results of 24 patients treated for painful degenerative cervical spondylosis with 6-month follow-up. Material-Methods: Twenty-four patients with chronic cervical facet joint pain >6months and evidence of degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine were enrolled in this study. Imaging Rx studies (face, profile and oblique) were available in all patients to establish diagnosis. Cervical radiofrequency ablation was performed under fluoroscopy using one to six radiofrequency probes positioned bilaterally at the cervical facets. All patients completed follow-up questionnaires at 6 months. Results: Twenty-one patients reduced drug use (NSAIDs or opioid drugs).Twenty patients were satisfied with the procedure, thirteen patients had completely relieve of their symptoms . No procedure-related complications were detected. Conclusions: Cervical radiofrequency ablation neurotomy services the trend of using smaller operative corridors. Whereas randomized controlled studies are warranted to address the efficacy of the procedure, six-months results of this method maintain that it is a save and easy to practice method for the treatment of chronic cervical facet joint pain. Patients showed improvements in several pain assessement measures after undergoing this method .