A pilot cohort study of lumbar facet joint denervation in patients with chronic low-back pain.

Introduction: Radio-frequency (RF) denervation of the facet joints is a procedure aimed at the nociceptive median branch nerves of the lumbar dorsal rami. Pain signals from the facet joints are carried through these fibres; by ablating these fibres, central signalling can be prevented. This pilot study investigated the clinical effect and feasibility of the procedure at our institution, the Spine Centre of Southern Denmark.

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Patient-Reported Satisfaction After Surgical Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: It is estimated that 10 000 patients seek medical care due to cervical radiculopathy every year in Denmark. Although the natural course is usually favorable, around 20% undergo surgery for cervical degenerative disease every year in Denmark.

Does nuclear tissue infected with bacteria following disc herniations lead to Modic changes in the adjacent vertebrae?

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of infected herniated nucleus material in lumbar disc herniations and to determine if patients with an anaerobic infected disc are more likely to develop Modic change (MC) (bone oedema) in the adjacent vertebrae after the disc herniation. MCs (bone oedema) in vertebrae are observed in 6 % of the general population and in 35-40 % of people with low back pain. These changes are strongly associated with low back pain.