Open Facet Joint Denervation in the Treatment of Low Back Pain
Open Facet Joint Denervation in the Treatment of Low Back Pain
A single blinded RCT for adult patients with spine pain. One group had a lumbar laminectomy
 with denervation of the facet joint at the level decompressed. The other group had a lumbar
 laminectomy without facet joint denervation. Both groups had their back pain and functional
 limitations measured using a 10 cm visual analogue scale and the Oswestry disability index
 (ODI). All measures were taken before surgery and at patients' 6, 12 and 24 week follow-up
 clinic visit.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  aged 19 or older

 -  a diagnosis of spinal stenosis

 -  having neurogenic claudication

 -  complained of back pain for at least 3 months

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  previous surgery on their spine,

 -  fracture, systemic inflammatory disease,

 -  malignancies or an infection affecting their spine