[Percutaneous laser denervation of the zygapophyseal joints in the pain facet syndrome]

Zh Vopr Neirokhir Im N N Burdenko. 2004 Jan-Mar:(1):20-5; discussion 25-6.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

Percutaneous laser denervation of archoappendicular joints in spinal pain was made in 15 patients from a study group. Percutaneous high-frequency denervation of archoappendicular joints was performed in a control group consisting of 15 patients with facet syndrome. A preoperative protocol for each patient included at least two diagnostic segmental blocks. A surgical intervention was morphologically substantiated during an experiment; the most optimum surgery protocol was chosen. Destruction was performed by 0.97-micron laser radiation for 4-6 sec at 5-10 W. The number of cases of a complete or partial pain regression, the duration of its impact, side effects and complications were determined. Of the 15 patients from the study group, 8 and 6 patients were observed to have a complete and significant pain regression (more than 50% of the baseline). No effect was achieved in one patient. The similar results were obtained in the control group. There were no postoperative infectious complications in the patients of both groups; transient pain dysesthesia was registered in one case. The findings have led to the conclusion that laser denervation of archoappendicular joints is effective in the pain facet syndrome.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Denervation / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Low Back Pain / diagnostic imaging
  • Low Back Pain / etiology
  • Low Back Pain / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Block
  • Pain Measurement
  • Radiography
  • Spondylitis / complications
  • Spondylitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Spondylitis / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Zygapophyseal Joint / innervation*
  • Zygapophyseal Joint / surgery