Background:

After proper patient selection, anatomically correct pulsed radiofrequency of the lumbar facet joints provide long-term pain relief in a routine clinical setting. In the study, we performed an analysis of clinical and radiological predictive factors and provide the scientific basis for this promising modality.

Methods:

The study included 198 patients with lower back pain due to lumbar facet joint disease who underwent medial branch block and pulsed radiofrequency during the period 2015-2019. According to the improvement in pain score, the patients were divided into good and poor outcome groups. Clinical and radiological data were collected and analyzed.

Results:

The multivariable analysis revealed the predictive factors, including lumbar lordosis, lower lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, the number of facet joints, old compression fracture with/without vertebroplasty, and post lumbar fusion procedures.

Conclusion:

With the results of this study, we demonstrated that the improved outcome after the surgery was related to lumbar lordosis, lower lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, the number of facet joints, old compression fracture with/without vertebroplasty, and the lumbar fusion procedures. Old compression fractures and lumbar fusion would change the radiological factors and cause refractory lumbar facet joint pain.