Thermal Radiofrequency Ablation Combined with Corticosteroid Injection in Management of Lumbar Facet Joint Pain: A Single-Center Study in Vietnam.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of thermal radiofrequency ablation combined with corticosteroid injection for medial branch block in the management of chronic low back pain, which originates from lumbar facet joint (LFJ) pain. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 82 patients with chronic LFJ pain undergoing thermal radiofrequency ablation combined with corticosteroid injection was conducted. Primary outcomes included pain relief and functional recovery, measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index, respectively. Secondary outcome was the time of recurrent low back pain at the same spinal segment after treatment. Adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean age is 55.7 ± 15.2 years old, and duration of LFJ pain was 18.2 ± 9.5 months. Median VAS at baseline was 7.0 (7.0-9.0) for all ages. After intervention, VAS and Oswestry Disability Index improved significantly (P < 0.001). Pain relief lasted for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 12-24 months' follow-up. During this period, only 5 patients required another radiofrequency neurotomy procedure (6.1%). No complications occurred in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Thermal radiofrequency ablation combined with corticosteroid injection should be a potential method of choice for its effectiveness, long-lasting effect, and safety in the management of LFJ pain.