Comparing two types of electrodes for treating lower back pain from lumbar spondylosis

Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation Using Multi-Tined Electrodes vs. Traditional Electrodes for Treatment of Lumbar Spondylosis

NA · University of Arkansas · NCT06477094

This study is testing two different types of electrodes to see which one helps people with lower back pain from lumbar spondylosis feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Arkansas (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Trial IDNCT06477094 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of two different radiofrequency ablation (RFA) techniques for patients suffering from lumbar spondylosis, a common cause of lower back pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive treatment using either the Stratus Nimbus multi-tined electrode or the Stryker Venom electrode. The study aims to assess pain relief and functional improvement after the procedures, with patients undergoing a thorough evaluation to ensure they meet the necessary criteria for candidacy. The trial is conducted at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and employs a double-blinded approach to ensure unbiased results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with chronic non-radicular lower back pain who have not responded to conservative treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of coagulopathy, significant comorbidities, or previous lumbar RFA attempts may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic lower back pain due to lumbar spondylosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with radiofrequency ablation techniques, but this specific comparison of electrode types is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Greater than 18 years of age
2. Presenting with chronic non-radicular lower back pain
3. Failure of conservative treatment such as physical therapy or NSAID usage
4. Diagnosis of lumbar facet mediated lower back pain by a board-certified chronic pain physician via two sets of prognostic lumbar MBBs with 0.5cc of 0.5% bupivacaine with \>80% pain relief

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of known coagulopathy
2. \> 3 American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification
3. Pregnancy
4. Spinal hardware between L3 and S1
5. Allergies to injection medications
6. English illiteracy
7. Pain improvement following physical therapy or NSAID usage
8. Previous history of attempted lumbar RFA

Where this trial is running

Little Rock, Arkansas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Lumbar Spondylosis, Radiofrequency Ablation, Lower Back Pain

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.