Research – Cervical Radiofrequency Neurotomy

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2 – Radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy in litigant and nonlitigant patients with cervical whiplash: a prospective study

• Spine. 2001 Jun 15;26(12):E268-73

46 patients who failed 20 weeks of conservative care

Both groups had significant improvement in pain scores and reported symptoms.  No significant difference between the groups was seen.

“…the potential for secondary gain in patients who have cervical facet arthropathy as a result of a whiplash injury does NOT influence response to treatment.”

1 – Long-term follow-up of patients treated with cervical radiofrequency neurotomy for chronic neck pain

• Neurosurgery. 1999 Jul;45(1):61-7; discussion 67-8.

Complete relief of pain in 71% of patients

If the first procedure fails, so will a repeat.

Outcome did NOT differ by litigation status

Median duration of relief in successful cases was 14 months