Can ultrasound-guided medial branch blocks be used to select patients for cervical facet joint radiofrequency neurotomy? A matched retrospective cohort validation study.

Background: Medial branch blocks are used to select patients for cervical facet joint radiofrequency neurotomy (CRFN). Blocks are typically performed under fluoroscopic guidance (ie, fluoroscopy-guided blocks [FLBs]). The validity of ultrasound-guided blocks (USBs) is not well established.