This Prospective, Single-center, Pilot Study will assist in gaining an understanding of the actual CRFA lesions in an in vivo situation in areas where CRFA is utilized as a standard of care treatment option for the relief of chronic pain (cervical facet joints, thoracic facet joints, lumbar facet joints, Sacroiliac (SI) region, hip and knee).
Who can participate
Age range
21 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age ≥ 21 years
. Able to understand the informed consent form and provide written informed consent and able to complete outcome measures.
. Must be clinically appropriate candidate to receive CRFA for treatment of chronic pain.
. Willing and able to receive an MRI
Exclusion criteria
. Unable to receive an MRI (i.e. due to pacemaker or iron-based metal implant).
. Unable to receive an MRI (i.e. iron-based metal implant).
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Cooled radiofrequency ablation lesion size
Timeframe: MRI obtained between 2-7 days post-procedure.
Trial details
NCT IDNCT03631030
SponsorInternational Spine, Pain and Performance Center
. Extremely thin patients and those with minimal subcutaneous tissue thickness that would not accommodate a radiofrequency lesion of up to 14mm in diameter to limit the risk of skin burns.
. Active joint infection or systemic or localized infection at the needle entry site (subject may be considered for inclusion once infection is resolved.)
. Subject currently implanted with a pacemaker or defibrillator
. In the event a pre-treatment MRI is obtained; trauma or injury occurring to the targeted area between the baseline MRI and CRFA treatment
. Subject unwillingness or unable to comply with protocol requirements