earticle

영어

Failed back surgery syndrome has been defined as persistent low back pain with or without radiating pain despite previous spine surgery, and it has various etiologies. Given the high probability that the pain would be chronic and intractable, it is essential to employ a broad range of therapeutic strategies. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may serve as one of the treatment options. A 64-year-old woman who had undergone lumbar fixation (L4–5) surgery five years ago visited our multidisciplinary pain center, complaining of back pain with radiating pain to both lower extremities (NRS 8) despite receiving medications at a local clinic. Following a positive diagnostic medial branch block, we decided to perform RFA using a novel multitined (Diros TridentTM) radiofrequency needle device, which has been reported to be more effective than conventional single-tined needles. Heat RFA was conducted on the right L3, L4, and L5 medial branches of the patient after nerve stimulation for localization. One month after the procedure, the patient reported a reduction in pain intensity (NRS 5 from 8). The patient is being followed up to evaluate the long-term effects. Additional comparative research is required to validate the therapeutic and side effects of multitined needles.