Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Remnant Pain after Vertebroplasty as the Treatment of Severe Compression Fracture

• Published in: Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society Vol. 40; no. 2; pp. 95 - 98
• Main Authors: Kim, Saeng-Youp, Kim, Seok-Won
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 대한신경외과학회 01.08.2006
• Subjects: 신경외과학; Radiofrequency neurotomy; Vertebroplasty; Remnant pain; Severe compression fracture
• ISSN: 2005-3711; 1598-7876

Objective : The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency neurotomy[RFN] for remnant pain after vertebroplasty for the treatment of severe compression fracture. Methods : 25 patients with remnant pain after vertebroplasty for one level severe compression fracture were treated by RFN. The severe compression fractures were defined to the vertebrae which less than 50% of their original heights have collapsed. Pain relief was evaluated at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months after the procedure using a visual analog scale[VAS]. Results : Successful outcome was determined if pain reduction exceeded 50% on the VAS at 6 weeks. Six of the 25 patients did not respond favorably to RFN [pain reduction less than 50%], and nineteen patients showed successful responses. Mean VAS score was decreased from 5.48 to 2.96 at 6 weeks. Conclusion : The radiofrequency neurotomy may be both feasible and useful treatment for the remnant pain after vertebroplasty. However long-term follow up is needed to confirm the effectiveness.