Comparing two techniques for treating neck pain with radiofrequency neurotomy

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the efficacy of two radiofrequency neurotomy techniques for treating chronic neck pain caused by cervical zygapophyseal joint arthritis. Participants will undergo either end-on or parallel lesioning of the cervical medial branch nerves using specialized needles. The study will include adults aged 18-85 who have experienced moderate to severe neck pain for at least three months and have not responded to conservative treatments. The effectiveness of these techniques will be evaluated based on patient-reported pain relief and functional improvement.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult patient of either gender aged 18-85 years
2. Predominant axial (non-radicular) neck pain for at least 3 months
3. 7-day average NRS score for neck pain ≥ 5/10 at baseline evaluation
4. Moderate or greater functional impairment due to pain, defined as NDI Questionnaire raw score of 15 out of 50 (≥30% )e Failure to respond to conservative medical management (pharmacologic, physical therapy) for at least 3 months;

f) Positive response to two consecutive diagnostic blocks of the CMBN with a short and long-acting anesthetic

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participants with financial incentives or litigation associated with ongoing pain
2. Inability to complete assessment instruments
3. Chronic widespread pain
4. Prior RFN of the CMBN;
5. Severe mental health issues
6. Pregnancy or other reason that precludes the use of fluoroscopy
7. Untreated coagulopathy
8. Systemic or local infection at the time of screening.

Where it's running

• Women's College Hospital
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• University Health Network (UHN)
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimation, and Pain Medicine, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona.
  Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Anuj Bhatia, MD, PhD — Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, University Health Network, Toronto
• Study coordinator: Danielle Alvares, PhD
• Email: danielle.alvares@uhn.ca
• Phone: (416) 603-5800

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.