CompletedNot Applicable

Sidekick vs Conventional Cannula in Lumbar Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation

Turkey (Türkiye)82 participantsStarted 2024-08-01

Plain-language summary

Lumbar facet joint-mediated chronic low back pain is a common cause of disability. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lumbar medial branches is an established interventional pain treatment. Different cannula designs may influence lesion geometry and clinical outcomes. This prospective randomized study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of conventional cannulas and sidekick cannulas used during lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation. Patients with chronic lumbar facet joint pain who meet inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to receive RFA using either a conventional cannula or a sidekick cannula technique. The primary objective is to evaluate pain reduction following the procedure. Secondary outcomes include functional improvement and duration of pain relief during follow-up.

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: Age ≥18 years * Chronic lumbar facet-mediated low back pain lasting more than 3 months * Failure of conservative treatment including physical therapy and medical management * Positive diagnostic medial branch block * Patients scheduled for lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation Exclusion Criteria: * Previous lumbar radiofrequency ablation at the same level * Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy that cannot be discontinued * Local infection at the procedure site * Severe spinal deformity or instability * Pregnancy * Inability to provide informed consent

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

Change in pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale)

Timeframe: Baseline to 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07475689

SponsorSaglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gulhane Tip Fakultesi

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-08-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Facet Joint Pain; Low Back Pain trials