RF Safe

Radiofrequency lesioning of the L2 ramus communicans in managing discogenic low back pain.

Pain physician · 2005 · Benefit · Very low evidence

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BenefitVery low evidencePaper 3577

In this prospective case series of 5 patients, all reported consistent pain relief after at least two L2 ramus communicans radiofrequency lesioning treatments about 4 months apart. Four of five reduced pain medication, all reported improved sitting tolerance …

Study snapshot

PublicationPain physician · 2005
Study typecase_report
Reported directionBenefit
Evidence ratingVery low

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Discogenic low back pain is a common cause of chronic low back pain that remains a treatment challenge. The innervation and transmission of nociceptive information from painful lumbar discs has only recently been better described. OBJECTIVE: To report initial experience of effectiveness of radiofrequency lesioning of L2 ramus communicans in managing discogenic pain. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, case series. METHODS: A case series of 5 patients who had radiofrequency lesioning of the ramus communicans at the L2 level. All patients had discogenic low back pain and had diagnostic blocks with local anesthetic at the level of the L2 ramus communicans demonstrating significant pain relief. Continuous radiofrequency lesioning at 80 degrees C of the L2 ramus communicans for 60 seconds was performed. Standard outcome measures of reduction in the visual analogue scale (VAS), improvement in function, reduction in pain medication, and consistent improvement in low back pain with repeating of the procedure after its initial effect has worn off were recorded. RESULTS: All five patients had consistent pain relief after a minimum of 2 radiofrequency lesioning treatments approximately 4 months apart. Four of the five patients had a reduction in pain medication, and all reported improvement in sitting tolerance and functioning. There were no side effects or complications. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency lesioning of the L2 ramus communicans seems to offer partial relief for patients suffering from discogenic pain. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typecase_report
Effect directionbenefit
PopulationPatients with discogenic low back pain
Sample size5
Exposure60 seconds per lesioning (continuous RF at 80°C); repeated treatments ~4 months apart (minimum 2 treatments)
Evidence strengthVery lowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In this prospective case series of 5 patients, all reported consistent pain relief after at least two L2 ramus communicans radiofrequency lesioning treatments about 4 months apart. Four of five reduced pain medication, all reported improved sitting tolerance and functioning, and no side effects or complications were reported.

Outcomes measured

  • Pain relief (VAS reduction)
  • Functioning/sitting tolerance
  • Pain medication use
  • Adverse effects/complications

Limitations

  • Prospective case series with very small sample size (n=5)
  • No control/comparator group
  • Follow-up duration not clearly specified beyond repeat treatment interval
  • Outcomes reported descriptively; quantitative VAS/function results not provided in abstract
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "case_report",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "medical radiofrequency lesioning (L2 ramus communicans)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "60 seconds per lesioning (continuous RF at 80°C); repeated treatments ~4 months apart (minimum 2 treatments)"
  },
  "population": "Patients with discogenic low back pain",
  "sample_size": 5,
  "outcomes": [
    "Pain relief (VAS reduction)",
    "Functioning/sitting tolerance",
    "Pain medication use",
    "Adverse effects/complications"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In this prospective case series of 5 patients, all reported consistent pain relief after at least two L2 ramus communicans radiofrequency lesioning treatments about 4 months apart. Four of five reduced pain medication, all reported improved sitting tolerance and functioning, and no side effects or complications were reported.",
  "effect_direction": "benefit",
  "limitations": [
    "Prospective case series with very small sample size (n=5)",
    "No control/comparator group",
    "Follow-up duration not clearly specified beyond repeat treatment interval",
    "Outcomes reported descriptively; quantitative VAS/function results not provided in abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "very_low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "discogenic low back pain",
    "radiofrequency lesioning",
    "L2 ramus communicans",
    "case series",
    "VAS",
    "pain medication",
    "function"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}
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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: Not supplied
PubMed: 16850044

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