Radiofrequency Neurotomy Techniques for Neck Pain
(EndPaRL Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing two types of needles for a heat-based treatment to relieve severe neck pain in patients with arthritis in specific neck joints. The treatment works by using heat to stop nerves from sending pain signals.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Is radiofrequency neurotomy for neck pain generally safe for humans?
How is radiofrequency neurotomy for neck pain different from other treatments?
Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) for neck pain is unique because it uses heat to target and disrupt specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, offering a minimally invasive option for chronic neck pain relief. The end-on lesioning technique with multitined trident cannulae may be easier and quicker to perform, potentially reducing discomfort after the procedure compared to the traditional parallel technique.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for neck pain?
Research indicates that cervical medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) is an effective minimally invasive treatment for chronic neck pain caused by facet joint disease, especially when other conservative treatments fail. A study protocol suggests that an end-on approach using multi-tined cannulae may be easier and quicker, potentially reducing discomfort after the procedure.12345
Who Is on the Research Team?
Anuj Bhatia, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, University Health Network, Toronto
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-85 with chronic neck pain due to facet joint arthritis, who haven't found relief from standard treatments. They must have had a positive response to diagnostic nerve blocks and moderate functional impairment. Those with widespread pain, prior similar treatments, severe mental health issues, or conditions preventing fluoroscopy use like pregnancy can't join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo radiofrequency neurotomy of Cervical Medial Branch Nerves using either end-on or parallel lesioning techniques
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) of Cervical Medial Branch Nerves (CMBNn) with end-on lesioning with multitined trident cannulae
- Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) of Cervical Medial Branch Nerves (CMBNn) with parallel lesioning
Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) of Cervical Medial Branch Nerves (CMBNn) with end-on lesioning with multitined trident cannulae is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Chronic neck pain due to cervical zygapophyseal joint osteoarthritis
- Chronic neck pain due to cervical zygapophyseal joint osteoarthritis
- Chronic neck pain due to cervical zygapophyseal joint osteoarthritis
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University Health Network, Toronto
Lead Sponsor