Sources of Cervicogenic Headache Among the Upper Cervical Synovial Joints.

Objectives: The study sought to assess the utility of controlled diagnostic blocks in patients with probable cervicogenic headache by determining the prevalence of sources of pain among the upper and lower synovial joints of the cervical spine.

Methods: Controlled diagnostic blocks were performed in 166 consecutive patients who clinically exhibited features consistent with a diagnosis of probable cervicogenic headache. Data were collected on how often a particular source of pain could be pinpointed and how often particular diagnostic blocks provided a positive yield.

Cervicogenic headache: an assessment of the evidence on clinical diagnosis, invasive tests, and treatment.

Cervicogenic headache is characterised by pain referred to the head from the cervical spine. Although the International Headache Society recognises this type of headache as a distinct disorder, some clinicians remain sceptical. Laboratory and clinical studies have shown that pain from upper cervical joints and muscles can be referred to the head.

A narrative review of lumbar medial branch neurotomy for the treatment of back pain.

Background: Confusion persists concerning the nature and efficacy of procedures variously known as facet denervation, lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy, and radiofrequency neurotomy or denervation for the treatment of back pain. Systematic reviews have not recognized the importance of patient selection and correct surgical technique when appraising the literature. As a result, negative conclusions about procedures have been drawn because lack of efficacy of one procedure has been misattributed to other, cognate, but different procedures.

The surgical anatomy of lumbar medial branch neurotomy (facet denervation).

Objective: To demonstrate the validity of placing electrodes parallel to the target nerve in lumbar radiofrequency neurotomy.

Design: Previous data on the anatomy of the lumbar dorsal rami were reviewed and a demonstration cadaver was prepared. Under direct vision, electrodes were placed on, and parallel to, the L4 medial branch and the L5 dorsal ramus.