RADIOFREQUENCY DENERVATION OF THE FACET JOINTS AND LOCAL PERIARTICULAR ADMINISTRATION OF ANAESTHETICS IN FACET SYNDROME TREATMENT

Abstract

The aim: To determine the effectiveness of radiofrequency denervation of the facet joints in combination with periarticular administration of local anaesthetics in patients with facet syndrome. Materials and methods: The early and long-term results of treatment patients with facet syndrome were analysed. The Visual Analogue Scale of pain and the Oswestry Disability Index were used. The 47 patients underwent radiofrequency denervation of the facet joints in combination with periarticular administration of local anaesthetics (the main group). The 136 patients underwent only radiofrequency denervation of the facet joints (control group). Results: Immediately after the treatment as well as in 3 months and in 1 year after it, a reliable results of treatment of facet syndrome in both the main and the control groups was attained. At the same time, there were significant differences between the main group and the control group immediately after treatment. But in 3 months and in 1 year after it there were no such differences that proved a significantly higher efficiency of high radiofrequency denervation of facet joints in combination with periarticular administration of local anaesthetics in the early postoperative period. Conclusions: The radiofrequency denervation of the facet joints has proved to be an effective method of treatment of patients with spondyloarthritis both in the short and long term outcomes. Periarticular administration of local anaesthetics enhances the effectiveness of radiofrequency denervation of the facet joints only for the short term outcomes.