Assessing muscle twitching during cervical radiofrequency ablation for pain relief
The Predictive Value of Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Twitching During Motor Stimulation Testing on Cervical Facet Joint Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes
This study is trying to see if measuring muscle twitching during a pain relief procedure can help predict how well the treatment will work for people with neck pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT05450679 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the relationship between cervical paravertebral muscle twitching during motor testing and the outcomes of cervical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with cervical facet arthropathy. Approximately 60 patients who have been deemed candidates for RFA will undergo sensory and motor stimulation testing during their procedure. A standardized grading scale will be used to assess the presence and magnitude of muscle twitching, with the goal of determining if higher twitching scores correlate with better treatment success and longer-lasting pain relief. The findings could provide a simple prognostic factor to enhance the effectiveness of RFA procedures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 years or older with cervical facet arthropathy who have experienced chronic neck pain for more than three months and have shown at least 50% relief from a diagnostic cervical medial branch block.
Not a fit: Patients with untreated coagulopathy, signs of cervical myelopathy, or serious psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the predictive accuracy of treatment outcomes for patients undergoing cervical radiofrequency ablation.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using muscle twitching as a prognostic factor is novel, similar studies have explored various predictors of success in pain management interventions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion 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 Exclusion Criteria: * 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
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins Hospital — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric Wang, MD — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Eric Wang, MD
- Email: ewang29@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 410-955-7246
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.