Comparison of a Multi-tined Cannula Versus a Conventional Cannula for Cervical Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation in Chronic Neck Pain

Comparison of a Multi-tined Cannula Versus a Conventional Cannula for Cervical Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation in Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain is a common disorder for spine specialists. Radiofrequency ablation of medial branches has been proven effective in selected patients for relieving pain. A newer radiofrequency ablation cannula has been developed (multi-tined), allowing perpendicular access. It is proposed as an alternative to the more technically challenging traditional approach. This study aims to compared the technical and clinical aspects of both techniques.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• Cervical neck pain at least 4/10 at rest or with activity
• Neck pain lasting at least 6 months and refractory to conservative treatments
• Neck pain is primarily axial (more than upper extremity)
• Success to medial branch block protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

• failure to medial branch block protocol (pain relief less than 75% on 2 occasions)
• Cervical neck pain less than 4/10
• Neurological deficits of upper extremity
• neuropathic pain of upper extremity
• pregnancy or breastfeeding
• inflammatory or neoplastic lesion on x-ray
• neck cortisone injection in last 3 months
• any medical or psychiatric condition contra-indicated for radiofrequency ablation