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Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess how facet medial branch radiofrequency thermocoagulation (FMB-RFT) outcomes are affected by severe facet joint osteoarthritis (FJO). Methods: This retrospective study involved 91 individuals with lumbar facet joint disease-related chronic lower back pain (CLBP), all of whom underwent FMB-RFT. The patients were assigned to 3 groups using the Weishaupt facet grading system (WFGS). Pain scores were assessed prior to treatment, as well as at the 1-, 6-, and 12-month marks. Results: Based on the WFGS, 38 of the 91 patients were assigned a grade 1 FJO, 28 a grade 2 FJO, and 25 a grade 3 FJO. The percentage of patients in each group who saw a 50% or greater improvement in their pain scores at 1, 6, and 12 months did not differ significantly. Conclusion: For patients with CLBP, FMB-RFT has been shown to be safe and effective in both the short and long terms. The results from FMB-RFT do not seem to be affected by the severity of FJO.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

144

Last Page

149

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