Radiofrequency neurotomy in patients with cervical pain syndrome

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic pain in the neck, shoulders and upper limbs is often at degenerative changes of cervical spine joints.The purpose. Study efficacy of radiofrequency neurotomy of medial branch of spinal nerve dorsal root of cervical spine in patients with pain in the neck, shoulders and upper limbs, factors that could affect the outcome were analyzed.Materials and methods. Demographic data, types of pain location, the response to double control block, electrical stimulation parameters, the number and level of neurotomy, results of surgical treatment were studied during 12 months after surgery. Electrical stimulation intensity was from 0.3 to 0.69 V, an average — 0.45 V (to origin of pain specific for the patient).Results. In 19 (68%) among 28 patients satisfactory results were achieved, in 8 (42%) — pain disappeared completely. In 4 patients pain recrudesced in 6–12 months.Conclusions. Neurotomy of spinal nerve medial branch is an effective method for treatment of pain in the neck, shoulders and upper limbs in patients with degenerative changes in cervical spine joints.