Comparative Effectiveness of Two Different Approaches to Radiofrequency Ablation of Lumbar Medial… (NCT06283628) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Comparative Effectiveness of Two Different Approaches to Radiofrequency Ablation of Lumbar Medial Branch Nerves
United States25 participantsStarted 2026-05
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this voluntary research study is to determine whether the parasagittal approach to lumbar medial branch (LMB) nerve radio frequency ablation (RFA) will have greater efficacy than the traditional approach to lumbar medial branch nerve radio frequency ablation.
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
. Bilateral equally intense axial low back pain
. Pain duration of ≥ 6 months
. Three-day average NRS scores of ≥ 3/10
. Age greater than 18 years
. Failure of conservative treatment, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy
. Positive response to a series of two bilateral diagnostic lumbar medial branch nerve blocks (≥ 80% pain relief). This is the current standard of care.
Exclusion criteria
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
The number of patients whose procedure was successful (gained 50% or more reduction in numeric rating pain (NRS) scores).
Timeframe: Baseline
2
The number of patients whose procedure was successful (gained 50% or more reduction in numeric rating pain (NRS) scores).
Timeframe: 1 month post-procedure.
3
The number of patients whose procedure was successful (gained 50% or more reduction in numeric rating pain (NRS) scores).