The results of percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy of lumbar spinal
facets in 46 patients followed at least three months (mean 15 months)
are reported and compared with those reported previously. Satisfactory
pain relief three months after the procedure was achieved in 36.4 per
cent of patients without operations and in 41.7 percent of patients wi
th operations other than fusion. No patient had previously undergone f
usion. Treatment of low-back pain by using radio-frequency thermocoagu
lation of spinal facets is a simple, safe, and well-tolerated procedur
e. It can be used to relief of pain in spite of decreasing rates of su
ccess within the follow-up period.