Cooled versus thermal radiofrequency denervation for chronic lumbar facet joint pain
Official title: Impact OF Cooled Versus Thermal Radiofrequency Denervation In Management Of Chronic Lumber Facet Joint Pain.Prospective Study.
Run by Zagazig University · NCT07309731 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test cooled versus thermal radiofrequency denervation to see which reduces chronic lumbar facet joint pain in adults who haven't improved with medicines or physical therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 30 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Zagazig University Government |
| Locations | 2 sites (Zagazig, Elsharqya and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07309731 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 30–70 with chronic lumbar facet joint pain (NRS ≥6) unresponsive to conservative care, MRI evidence of facet degeneration at two to three bilateral levels, normal lower-extremity motor power, and ≥50% relief from a diagnostic medial branch block.
✕Probably not a fit
People with spondylolisthesis, disc herniation or internal disc disruption, prior spinal surgery at the treated level, or pain primarily from non-facet sources are unlikely to benefit from these denervation procedures.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional comparison enrolls adults aged 30–70 with MRI-confirmed lumbar facet joint degeneration and severe chronic pain who had ≥50% temporary relief from a diagnostic medial branch block. Eligible participants receive either cooled radiofrequency (CRF) or conventional thermal radiofrequency (TRF) denervation at the affected facet levels, with procedures performed under image guidance. Outcomes include changes in numerical pain rating (NRS), functional status, and need for repeat procedures over scheduled follow-up visits. Key exclusions are spondylolisthesis, disc herniation/internal disc disruption, or prior spinal surgery at the treated level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, one technique could provide longer-lasting or more effective pain relief with fewer repeat procedures for people with lumbar facet joint pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials comparing cooled and conventional radiofrequency for facet-mediated back pain have shown mixed but generally favorable results, with some evidence that cooled RF can provide longer pain relief though findings are not uniformly conclusive.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient's acceptance . * Both sexes (male and female). * Age between 30 and 70 years . * Physical status; ASA I , II. (American society of anesthesiologist) * BMI; 22-30 Kg/m2. * Presence of 1. Chronic Lumbar Facet Joint Pain (numerical rating scale (NRS) ≥ 6) lasting for 3 months or more without any response to noninvasive conservative treatment methods like NSAIDs and gabapentin therapy for pain control, or physiotherapy, 2. Patients have two to three levels of bilateral facet arthropathy with normal motor power of lower extremities 3. Local paraspinal tenderness with increased pain on hyperextension, rotation, or lateral bending of the lower lumbar spine. * More than or equal to 50% temporary pain relief following an ultrasound guided diagnostic medial branch block with local anesthetic corticosteroid injection. Exclusion Criteria: * Those with spondylolisthesis or disc herniation or internal disc disruption (IDD). * Previous spinal surgery at the level to be treated , Spinal canal stenosis or spinal instability. * Patient with previous radiofrequency ablation. * Patients having radicular pain, neurogenic claudication, or neurological deficits. * Coagulopathy, bleeding disorders . * Allergy to medications or contrast to be used . * Rheumatic disorders. * Systemic infections, or local infections in the field of intervention . * Any uncontrolled medical or psychiatric condition . * Pregnancy, lactating women .
Where it's running
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Faculty of Medicine,Zagazig University
Zagazig, Elsharqya, Egypt Recruiting -
Faculty of Medicine,Zagazig University
Zagazig, Elsharqya, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: khadeja m elhossieny, MD — Zagazig University
- Study coordinator: manal M rashad, MD
- Email: mervatassy@yahoo.com
- Phone: 01005671564
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.