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Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Twitching and Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes
Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University
Summary
The investigators aim to determine whether cervical paravertebral muscle twitching during motor testing as part of performing cervical RFAs is associated with a greater likelihood of treatment success, and greater magnitude or duration of analgesia. The investigators propose a straightforward grading scale based on visual and tactile information readily available during RFA procedures as part of routine practice (per radiofrequency electrode: 0 = no twitches palpated or observed; 1 = twitches palpated but not observed; 2 = twitches palpated and observed at 1-2 levels; 3= twitches palpated and observed at \>2 levels). If a higher weighted score (total score divided by number of radiofrequency lesion sites) correlates with a greater likelihood of treatment success, or magnitude or duration of analgesia following cervical RFA, cervical paraspinal muscle twitching may serve as a readily obtainable prognostic factor (marker) for effectiveness.
Official title: The Predictive Value of Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Twitching During Motor Stimulation Testing on Cervical Facet Joint Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2022-09-13
Completion Date
2027-08-01
Last Updated
2025-09-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
During the cervical RFA procedure, all patients will undergo sensory and motor stimulation testing prior to receiving radiofrequency lesioning, which is a standard and recommended practice. During the motor stimulation testing step, the pain physicians performing the procedure will assess the presence or absence of cervical paraspinal muscle twitching by using a standardized grading scale (per radiofrequency electrode: 0 = no twitches observed or palpated; 1 = twitches palpated but not observed; 2 = twitches observed and palpated at 1-2 levels; 3 = twitches observed at \> 2 levels). A total score and a weighted score (total score divided by the number of radiofrequency lesion sites), will be recorded for each patient, and the RFA procedure will be completed per usual practice. RFAs will be performed in the usual manner and as per "standard of care." Providers will not use any new or experimental devices to perform the RFA.
Locations (1)
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland, United States