Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Twitching and Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes

Description

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.

Conditions

Cervical Facet Joint Pain, Chronic Pain, Neck Pain

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

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.

The Predictive Value of Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Twitching During Motor Stimulation Testing on Cervical Facet Joint Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes

Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Twitching and Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes

Condition
Cervical Facet Joint Pain
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Baltimore

Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21287

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Age 18 years or older
  • * Cervical facet arthropathy based on history and physical exam (e.g. axial cervical neck pain, paraspinal tenderness, no pain referral below the ipsilateral shoulder)
  • * Radiologic evidence of cervical pathology consistent with symptoms if MRI is available
  • * Pain duration of greater than 3 months
  • * Obtained 50% or greater pain relief from at least 1 diagnostic cervical medial branch block of the identical medial branch nerves targeted for RFA
  • * Untreated coagulopathy
  • * Signs or symptoms of cervical myelopathy
  • * Signs or symptoms of cervical radiculitis/radiculopathy
  • * Allergic reactions to local anesthetics
  • * Serious psychiatric disorder (e.g. uncontrolled or refractory depression) that might preclude optimal outcome
  • * Poorly controlled medical condition (e.g. pacemaker that cannot be switched off, unstable angina)
  • * Pregnancy

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Johns Hopkins University,

Eric Wang, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Johns Hopkins University

Study Record Dates

2026-02-01