CompletedNot Applicable

Comparison of a Multi-tined Cannula Versus a Conventional Cannula for Cervical Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation in Chronic Neck Pain

Canada50 participantsStarted 2019-12-04

Plain-language summary

Chronic neck pain is a common disorder for spine specialists. Radiofrequency ablation of medial branches has been proven effective in selected patients for relieving pain. A newer radiofrequency ablation cannula has been developed (multi-tined), allowing perpendicular access. It is proposed as an alternative to the more technically challenging traditional approach. This study aims to compared the technical and clinical aspects of both techniques.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * 18 years or older * Cervical neck pain at least 4/10 at rest or with activity * Neck pain lasting at least 6 months and refractory to conservative treatments * Neck pain is primarily axial (more than upper extremity) * Success to medial branch block protocol Exclusion Criteria: * failure to medial branch block protocol (pain relief less than 75% on 2 occasions) * Cervical neck pain less than 4/10 * Neurological deficits of upper extremity * neuropathic pain of upper extremity * pregnancy or breastfeeding * inflammatory or neoplastic lesion on x-ray * neck cortisone injection in last 3 months * any medical or psychiatric condition contra-indicated for radiofrequency ablation

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

Numerical Pain Rating scale for patient's pain during the procedure

Timeframe: 1 day of the intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04152954

SponsorCentre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-02-16

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Neck Pain trials