American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation· 2026Q1
Clinical Outcomes of Conventional Versus Lateral-Deployment RF Cannulas in Lumbar Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation
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- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
A randomized trial (n=84) found lateral-deployment RF cannulas reduced low back pain intensity by an average of 2.7 points more than conventional cannulas over 6 months (mean change -5.52 vs. -2.81 on NRS scale).
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Key points
- Lateral-deployment RF cannulas led to a mean NRS pain reduction of -5.52 points vs. -2.81 points for conventional cannulas at 6 months.
- The difference in pain reduction between groups was -2.795 points, favoring the lateral-deployment cannula (P < 0.001).
- 73.8% of participants using lateral-deployment cannulas achieved >=50% pain reduction, compared to 38.1% with conventional cannulas (RR 1.94, P = 0.001).
- Lateral-deployment cannulas also showed better outcomes for disability (MODI) and physical health (SF-12 PCS).
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Objective: To compare conventional monopolar and lateral-deployment RF cannulas for lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in chronic facet-mediated low back pain. Design: Single-center, randomized, participant-blinded, two-arm superiority trial. Ninety participants were randomized 1:1; 84 with complete 6-month data were analyzed. The primary outcome was change in Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain intensity from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes were changes in the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI) and SF-12 Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Scores. Results: Mean NRS change was −2.81 points with the conventional cannula and −5.52 points with the lateral-deployment cannula. The age-adjusted between-group difference was −2.795 points (95% CI, −3.967 to −1.624; P <0.001). At 6 months, at least 50% NRS reduction was achieved by 16/42 (38.1%) and 31/42 (73.8%) participants, respectively (risk ratio, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.27–2.97; P =0.001). Age-adjusted MODI and SF-12 PCS changes favored the lateral-deployment cannula. No major procedure-related complications were observed. Conclusion: The lateral-deployment cannula was associated with greater 6-month improvements in pain, disability, and physical health and with more participants achieving substantial pain relief. Larger trials with intention-to-treat analyses are needed.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Anesthesiology and Pain MedicineMedicine