[Percutaneous analgesic thermocoagulation of spinal nerve roots. 218 cases (author's transl)]

Between 1974 and 1980 the authors have performed 218 radiofrequency thermocoagulations of spinal nerve roots or posterior branches. The procedure is atraumatic and selective but requires considerable technical accuracy. Its major indications (posterior lumbalgias, spondylolisthesis, staged spinal syndromes, painful thoraco-abdominal scars, etc.) emerge from this detailed review of a large series of patients suffering from pain of spinal or extraspinal origin. Satisfactory results were obtained in 39% to 45% of these patients for whom conventional treatments had failed. This should encourage to try this strictly percutaneous technique (usually performed under local anaesthesia) before open surgery.