Radiofrequency Lumbar Zygapophysial (Facet) Joint Denervation: A Preliminary Report of a New Concept

This is a preliminary report of a new concept of lumbar medi-al branch neurotomy by measurement of minimal sensory threshold. This technique is not recommended for routine clinical use until fur-ther controlled data are available. The lumbar zygapophysial joints (Z-joint) or facet joints, are a potential source of low back pain. In general, the principle innerva-tion of the Z-joint is the medial branch of the posterior primary ra-mus of the same level as the target Z-joint as well as the level above. Denervation of the multifi dus as evaluated by electromyogra-phy has become a measurement of successful Z-joint denervation. Two drawbacks to this method are that it takes one to several week