Low Back Pain and Radiofrequency Denervation of Facet Joint: Beyond Pain Control-A Video Recording
Giglio M., Farì G., Preziosa A., Corriero A., Grasso S., Varrassi G., Puntillo F. Low Back Pain and Radiofrequency Denervation of Facet Joint: Beyond Pain Control—A Video Recording. Pain Ther (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-023-00489-y
Abstract
Chronic low back pain is often due to L5S1 instability resulting in facet joint syndrome. Patients suffering from low back pain may also have a gait pattern characterized by a reduced speed and a shorter, asymmetrical step in order to reduce pain. This case is of a patient with L5S1 instability that occurred after L1 to L5 lumbar stabilization who was treated with radiofrequency (RF) denervation of the medial branch of L5S1 bilaterally. RF ablation outcome was tested by comparing its impact on pain, function, quality of life, and on gait pattern, before and 1 month after the procedure. To objectify the impact of a good pain control on gait, a video recording was performed (see Video 1).
Digital Features
This article provides a digital feature, including a video to facilitate the understanding of the article. To view digital features for this article, go to https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.22068623.
Key Summary Points
L5S1 instability causes facet joint syndrome resulting in chronic pain.
Patients experiencing facet joint pain may have an impaired gait pattern.
The radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch can allow good pain relief.
Gait analysis can objectify the outcome of the radiofrequency ablation in case of L5S1 instability.
