A pragmatic randomized prospective trial of cooled radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch nerves versus facet joint injection of corticosteroid for the treatment of lumbar facet syndrome: 12 month outcomes.

Background: Lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) and intraarticular facet steroid injections (FJI) are commonly performed for recalcitrant facet joint-mediated pain. However, no study has compared clinical outcomes of the two treatments in patients selected using dual medial branch blocks (MBBs) with an 80% relief threshold.

Objective: Compare the effectiveness of cooled LRFA (C-LRFA) to FIJ as assessed by pain and functional improvements.

Does the Contrast Dispersion Pattern During Fluoroscopically Guided Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Predict Short-Term Pain and Functional Outcomes? An Exploratory Analysis of Prospective Cohort Data.

Summary Of Background Data: No study has evaluated the relationship between contrast dispersion patterns and outcomes after fluoroscopically guided cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection (CTFESI).

Objectives: Determine whether contrast dispersion patterns predict pain and functional outcomes after CTFESI.

Methods: Secondary analysis of data collected during two prospective studies of CTFESI for the treatment of refractory radicular pain.