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Smuck M, Crisostomo RA, Demirjian R, Fitch DS, Kennedy DJ, Geisser ME. Morphologic changes in the lumbar spine after lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy: a quantitative radiological study. The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society. 2015 Jun 1;15(15). 1415-21.
Abstract
Medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) is a common treatment for zygapophyseal joint pain. The lumbar medial branch innervates these joints and adjacent structures. The impact of the intended neurotomy on these structures remains unclear. No studies have yet verified quantitatively the effect of medial branch RFN on intervertebral discs, facet joints, and multifidus cross-sectional area.