J Korean Pain Soc.
2000 Nov;13(2):242-246.
New More Reliable Indicator for Confirmation of the Medial Branch in Radiofrequency Neurotomy
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Kangwon, Korea.
Abstract
- Radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy is an effective way of controlling pain in the posterior compartment of the spine such as the facet joint, and the interspinous ligament. However, it is difficult to determine the exact location of the medial branch. Up until now we have relied on sensory response provoked by 50 Hz stimulation. The responses elicited using this method are quite subjective and can originate from sources other than the medial branch such as the periosteum, the intermediate or lateral branch. We need a confirmed indicator to locate the medial branch reliably. We applied 2 Hz stimulation under 0.4 volts to locate the medial branch and elicited a motor response. Twitching of multifidus and muscles around the SI joint was observed. The observation of these muscles provides a much more reliable method for confirmation of the medial branch. We have treated 45 chronic nonspecific low back pain patients using radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy with this method of confirming the medial branch.
Keyword
- Full Text Links
-
- Actions
-
Cited
- CITED
-
- Close
- Share
-
- Similar articles
-
- Burn Wound along the Guide Needle Trajectory as a Complication of Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Lumbar Medial Branch: A case report
- The Efficacy of Repeated Radiofrequency Medial Branch Neurotomy for Lumbar Facet Syndrome
- Raiofrequency Neurotomy for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain in the Patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- Combined third occipital and C3 deep medial branch neurotomy in a patient with C2-3 facet joint osteoarthritis associated cervicogenic headaches: A case report
- Lumbar Sympathetic Radiofrequency Neurotomy in Plantar Hyperhidrosis
