Comparative Outcomes and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation and Cryoablation for Lumbar Facet Joint Degeneration: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study with 24-Month Follow-Up.

ABSTRACT: Background: Lumbar facet joint degeneration is a common source of chronic low back pain. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is widely used, whereas cryoablation (CA) remains less extensively investigated. Evidence directly comparing the long-term outcomes of these two modalities is scarce, particularly beyond 12 months. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed patients with lumbar facet joint degeneration who underwent RF (n = 97) or CA (n = 83). Clinical data were retrieved from institutional records. Pain intensity (VAS), functional outcomes (ODI and RMDQ), and quality-of-life measures (EQ-5D and SF-36) were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome was change in ODI; secondary outcomes included VAS, RMDQ, quality of li

SUBMITTER: Yilmaz A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12565453 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature