Cervical medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy in New Zealand.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cervical medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) performed by two practitioners trained according to rigorous guidelines.

DESIGN: The study was designed as a prospective, outcome study of consecutive patients with chronic neck pain treated in a community setting.

INTERVENTIONS: A total of 104 patients, selected on the basis of complete relief of pain following controlled, diagnostic, medial branch blocks, were treated with RFN according to the guidelines of the International Spine Intervention Society.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Successful outcome was defined as complete relief of pain, or at least 80% relief, for at least 6 months, with complete restoration of activities of daily living, no need for any further health care, and return to work. Patients who failed to meet any of these criteria were deemed to have failed treatment.

RESULTS: In the two practices, 74% and 61% of patients achieved a successful outcome. Relief lasted 17-20 months from the first RFN, and 15 months for repeat treatments. Allowing for repeat treatment, patients maintained relief for a median duration of 20-26 months, with some 60% still having relief at follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Cervical RFN can be very effective when performed in a rigorous manner in appropriately selected patients. Chronic neck pain, mediated by the cervical medial branches, can be temporarily, but completely, relieved and patients fully restored to desired activities of daily living, if treated with RFN.