Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Twitching and Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes

Launched by JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · Jul 5, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to predict how well a treatment called cervical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) will work for people suffering from neck pain caused by cervical facet joint issues. The researchers want to find out if certain muscle twitches that happen during the procedure can indicate whether the treatment will be successful. They will use a simple scoring system to track these twitches, which could help doctors understand how effective the treatment might be for pain relief.

To take part in this trial, participants must be at least 18 years old and have a history of neck pain for more than three months, along with some specific signs that a doctor can identify. They should have experienced at least some pain relief from a previous diagnostic procedure targeting the same nerves. Participants can expect to undergo the RFA procedure, where their muscle activity will be monitored, and they will be closely observed for pain relief after the treatment. It's important to know that people with certain medical conditions or who are pregnant will not be eligible for this study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18 years or older
• • Cervical facet arthropathy based on history and physical exam (e.g. axial cervical neck pain, paraspinal tenderness, no pain referral below the ipsilateral shoulder)
• • Radiologic evidence of cervical pathology consistent with symptoms if MRI is available
• • Pain duration of greater than 3 months
• • Obtained 50% or greater pain relief from at least 1 diagnostic cervical medial branch block of the identical medial branch nerves targeted for RFA
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Untreated coagulopathy
• • Signs or symptoms of cervical myelopathy
• • Signs or symptoms of cervical radiculitis/radiculopathy
• • Allergic reactions to local anesthetics
• • Serious psychiatric disorder (e.g. uncontrolled or refractory depression) that might preclude optimal outcome
• • Poorly controlled medical condition (e.g. pacemaker that cannot be switched off, unstable angina)
• • Pregnancy