LONG-TERM RESULTS AFTER LUMBAR PERCUTANEOUS RADIOFREQUENCY FACET DENERVATION

93 patients with a mean follow up of 73 months (30-133 months) after l umbar percutaneous radiofrequency denervation (PRFD) were evaluated. M ean age of the patients at time of surgery was 47 years (18-76 years). 54 patients had no lumbar spine surgery prior to facet denervation, 3 2 patients had one or multiple disc surgery prior to denervation, and 7 patients had spinal fusions. 51 patients were in the process of earl y retirement or already retired at time of surgery. Out of all 93 pati ents only 50% had significant pain relief immediately after PRFD. 3 mo nths after PRFD the success rate dropped down to 38%. 6 years after su rgery only 25% of all patients had long lasting good results. Patients who were pain free after facet infiltration had significant better in itial results, but were similar to the others after 6 years. 6 out of 7 patients after lumbar spinal fusions demonstrated bad results. The w orst results had those patients who had applied for early retirement ( workmans compensation cases). In this group the recurrence rate was 74 % 6 years after surgery. We found no correlation between the surgeon a nd the outcome. Clinical relevance: Without pain reduction after facet infiltration the success rate after PRFD is low. Spinal surgery prior to PRFD significantly reduces the success rate. The worst prognosis h ave workmans compensation cases. The recurrence rate is high within th e first 6 months after PRDF.